Ohio Magazine - November-December 2025 - CE Mount Vernon

BEST HOMETOWNS 2025-26

Mount Vernon

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Spice Up Your Holidays

BY KIRSTEN ABBEY

| Spice up the season with a steaming glass of mulled wine from an Ohio winery. With a long history dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, spiced wine is a classic choice for the holidays.

In ancient times, recipes for these wines usually featured red wine, though the Greeks often used white. The wine would then be cooked with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron, pepper, and honey added for a touch of sweetness. Nowadays, mulled wine is made with red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, with citrus notes of orange or lemon to lighten the flavor.

a slightly spiced honey wine with the fruity hints of apples, oranges, and cranberries.

McAlpine Meadery in Beach City also caters to holiday mead enjoyers. Paying homage to German folklore, McAlpine’s Krampus seasonal wine is made with oranges and based loosely on a German holiday wine, Gluhwine, a mulled wine type.

To try spiced wine in the traditional form, stop in at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante in Geneva, for a bottle of their Harvest Spice. This sweet grape wine is made to be paired with citrus fruits and cinnamon sticks.

For a twist on the classics, try seasoned honey wine. Dutch Creek Winery in Athens offers guests the flavor of

Go the extra mile in originality creating your own mulled wine with The Winery at Versailles’ Wintry Nights as the base. It blends red concord grapes with apples. Add spices and drink it warm or cold. For those with a favored red, Old Firehouse Winery in Geneva sells Aspen Mulling Spices. Pre-made spice bags make mulled wine an easy project, with a crockpot doing all the work.

Ferrante Winery and Ristorante

Dutch Creek Winery

NOV/DEC

This year, we honor Ashland, Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon and Yellow Springs as great places to live. 74 Enduring Icons

Explore 10 architectural landmarks throughout Ohio that share insight into the history of our state.

Cincinnati’s Hoste shop supports holiday entertaining, and journalist Gene Kinn shares presidential stories. 9 Datebook

Explore the evolution of fashion in Cleveland, and trace the history of Mad Magazine in Cincinnati.

13 Calendar of Events 21 Farm & Table

Visit a Columbus restaurant where pasta is the star and a Bowling Green spot that brews both coffee and beer.

152 Milestones

On Nov. 11, 1918, residents of Columbus celebrated after receiving word that World War I had come to an end.

subscriber

Kevin Kopanski photographed Ashland and Green. Megan Leigh Barnard photographed Barnesville. Brian Kaiser photographed Mount Vernon. Matthew Allen photographed Yellow Springs. Gabe Wasylko photographed our newsstand

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS

27 PROOF

Warm up this season with drinks from Ohio craft distilleries and spirit-makers.

AMERICA 250-OHIO

Discover how our state is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country.

DESTINATION SHOPPING

Find the perfect gift while exploring shops and other attractions across the state.

Ashland, p. 37

Barnesville, p. 47

Bowling Green, p. 23

Cincinnati, p. 6, 12

Cleveland, p. 7, 10

Columbus, p. 21, 133

Dayton, p. 9

Green, p. 55

Lebanon, p. 22

Marietta, p. 12

100 made in ohio gifts: Starting Nov. 1, explore a curated collection of Ohio-made products from talented makers, creators and small businesses across the state. From handmade treasures for your home to thoughtful gifts, our guide to 100 distinctly Ohio finds offers inspiration for shopping small this holiday season and celebrating the creativity that abounds in our state. ohiomagazine.com/madeinohio

Which cover did you get? Here are the others!

Each fall, we feature our Best Hometown honorees on regionally zoned covers for subscribers. Our architecture feature is this year’s newsstand cover. Learn more about Best Hometowns at ohiomagazine.com/besthometowns.

IT’S A SHORE THING

It’s time to get cozy in Shores & Islands Ohio, a year-round destination just a short drive away. Make memorable getaways, and enjoy delicious cuisine and beverages by the fireside to get you through the colder months. Experience lively winter festivals and events, quaint downtowns and museums, and take in the beauty of the changing seasons across the region.

Ohio Magazine encourages you to recycle this magazine. Great Lakes Publishing supports the use of paper milled from replanted forests as a renewable resource and purchases paper from FSC sources when available. We have also taken steps to reduce the amount of plastic used when mailing issues to our subscribers.

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

Hometown Heart

Our annual Best Hometowns issue has been a tradition at Ohio Magazine since fall 2006. Each November, we turn our focus to five exemplary communities and share their stories with our readers. Our hope is to introduces you to parts of Ohio that you may not be familiar with and encourage you to learn more about this incredibly varied state we call home.

We solicit Best Hometown nominations in the spring and travel Ohio throughout the summer months. Along the way, we meet great people and end up making lasting connections. We found that to be true once again with this year’s group of honorees: Ashland, Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon and Yellow Springs.

Some are small villages with a few thousand residents, while others are larger suburbs, but there is a thread running through each Best Hometown community that becomes apparent as you read our stories (starting on page 34). The passion of the people who live there and how that shapes the place they call home is the common denominator among all of them.

Communities face challenges of all sorts, and you’ll learn how this year’s Best Hometown honorees have tackled obstacles and embraced opportunities. You’ll get a glimpse of what life is like in each place, and if we’ve done our job well, feel like you’ve visited in some small way.

Hopefully, it encourages you to make the trip for yourself to meet some of the people we did and explore some of the places we saw during our visits. (If you’d like to learn more about our annual Best Hometowns honor, including how to nominate your community, go to ohiomagazine.com/besthometowns.)

This issue also showcases 10 historically significant buildings that trace the history of our state, from the immense Cincinnati Music Hall to the home in Marion that President Warren G. Harding lived in while delivering his frontporch campaign for the White House in 1920. You’ll even get the backstory on the building that served as the backdrop to the movie kiss of the summer in James Gunn’s “Superman” movie.

This month at ohiomagazine.com, we’ll also be releasing our guide to 100 Made in Ohio Gifts. Our list goes live Nov. 1, spanning a range of makers and small businesses that you can support as the season of gift-giving arrives.

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM

Editor Jim Vickers

Associate Editors Erin Finan, Gracie Metz

Contributing Writers Jason Brill, Hollie Davis, Nicholas Dekker, Vince Guerrieri, Kristina Smith, Ilona Westfall, Lucas Yang

Digital Content Assistant Kelly Powell

Editorial Interns Maggie Amacher, Abby Jenkins

Art Director Rachael Jirousek

Contributing Artists Matthew Allen, Megan Leigh Barnard, Laura Watilo Blake, Doug Hinebaugh, Brian Kaiser, Sam Kendall, Kevin Kopanski, Stephanie Mauric, Rob Mueller, Gabe Wasylko

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INQUIRIES: ADSALES@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM | 216/377-3652

Associate Publisher & Advertising Director Karen Matusoff

Account Managers Frank Bird, Nichole Cardinale, Bryan McMahan, Cosmo Mills, Treg Waldron

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PRODUCTION@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM

Production Manager Matt Kraniske

Advertising Traffic Manager Megan Stimac

Ad Designers Tom Abate, Jack McFadden

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CONTENT STUDIO

Managing Editor Claudia Plumley

Senior Editor Kelsey Miller

Associate Editor Jennifer Coon

Junior Associate Editor Ashley Blaes

Editorial Interns Sloane DiBari, Taylor Payne

Managing Art Director Stephanie Mauric

Art Director Emily Gommel

Associate Art Director Sel James

Video Producer Carrie Largent

INTERACTIVE MEDIA

Director of Digital Strategy Jacquie Chakirelis

Digital Strategy Manager Joe Vargo

Development Manager Daniel Klinzing

Digital Campaign Coordinator Kate Wildenthaler

CORPORATE

ACCOUNTING@GLPUBLISHING.COM

Chief Financial Officer George Sedlak

Finance Director Perry Zohos

Accounts Payable Coordinator Geli Valli

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

Turkey Tales

When November rolls around, visions of stuffing, mashed potatoes and tur key are bound to come to mind. While the birds on our Thanksgiving tables are typically raised on farms, the wild turkey — Ohio’s largest forest bird — has a greater success story behind it. Roughly a century ago, a wild turkey sighting in the state would have been extremely rare due to the destruction of their natural habitats and unregulated hunting. In 1956, however, the Ohio Division of Wildlife started helping to restore the bird’s population numbers by introducing wild turkeys back into Ohio from other states. In 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation partnered with the Ohio Division of Wildlife to relocate more than 4,000 turkeys to 85 counties in Ohio. Today, wild turkeys can be found across Ohio, and a sighting (while not altogether rare) is still something to behold.

House Special: Hoste in Cincinnati channels owner Megan Strasser’s lifelong affinity for entertaining into a vibrant celebration of food and friends.

Lasting Tribute: The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Cleveland commemorates the sacrifice displayed by Cuyahoga County residents during the Civil War.

MHouse Special

Hoste in Cincinnati channels owner Megan Strasser’s lifelong affinity for entertaining into a vibrant celebration of food and friends.

egan Strasser is no stranger to the art of hosting. Growing up in Cincinnati, her mother treated every meal like a special event, with certain weeknights dedicated to elaborate and well-planned feasts. These early gatherings had a heavy influence on Strasser, eventually leading her to create Hoste in May 2024, but her entrepreneurial story begins before that.

In 2014, Strasser opened Fern — a minimalist plant store — out of a former gas station in Cincinnati’s College Hill neighborhood, but she could never quite shake her instinct for helping create memorable moments among friends and family.

After opening a second Fern location in 2021, Strasser saw an opportunity to do something different with the space. She transformed the Walnut Hills Fern location to Hoste, a whimsical shop packed with a wealth of beautiful party-planning essentials that marked a return to her maximalist roots.

“Where Fern has always been very minimal, Hoste is just the opposite,” Strasser says, “It’s really embracing maximalism.”

Stocked with vibrant linen napkins, greeting cards and artisanal candles, as well as pantry items like chili crisp hot sauce, pistachio spread and Belgian chocolate, Hoste is equipped with everything you need to, well, host.

Strasser points to the family dinners she shares with her group of friends on Sundays as the inspiration for her shop’s inventory. Sometimes, their get-togethers are defined by a full, homemade spread, while others are celebrated with a lot of candles and boxes of takeout. Hoste is filled with a large lineup of cookbooks, and Strasser

won’t put one on the shop’s shelves unless she has personally used it and enjoyed the recipes in it.

“My cookbook collection has been one of my greatest prides and joys,” she says. “I read them like they’re novels at night and bring them to my couch and plan imaginary meals in my head.”

Strasser’s passion project as of late has been bringing potlucks and cookbook clubs into the shop. She recalls a time when she and her friends made selections from Molly Baz’s More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen. Strasser says her favorite dish from the night was one she had always previously flipped past, but she’s now made it at home several times since.

“Hoste is, like, my whole heart in a store,” Strasser says. “There is nothing I value more or love more than preparing meals for the people I love and just sharing space and a table.” — Kelly Powell

737 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati 45206, hosteshoppe.com

Lasting Tribute

The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Cleveland commemorates the sacrifice and service displayed by Cuyahoga County residents during the Civil War.

The Goddess of Freedom stands atop the 125-foot-tall obelisk on Cleveland’s Public Square. Vignettes of soldiers in battle are positioned atop the memorial’s base, while the names of Cuyahoga County’s 9,000 Civil War veterans are inscribed on the walls inside.

The idea for Cleveland’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument came in the late 1800s, as Cuyahoga County’s Civil War veterans were searching for a way to honor those who served. At the time, city leaders wanted to preserve Public Square for business and commerce. Greg Palumbo, executive director of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, says some city officials created obstacles intended to prevent construction of the monument, which was dedicated on July 4, 1894.

“[Public Square] was an important place for these guys.” Palumbo says of the returning soldiers. “They wanted to really push their idea that war is not the answer. They wanted to memorialize that in a very public space.”

Architect Levi T. Scofield was selected to construct the monument. As a veteran of the Civil War himself, Scofield put his own personal touches into the design, modeling some of the infantry members depicted after those of his former unit.

Within the tablet room at the base of the obelisk, visitors encounter bronze reliefs that depict local, state and national perspectives of the war. Women of the Soldiers’ Aid Society and Sanitary Commission face the south, while statesmen involved in recruitment are located on the west side. Abraham Lincoln is depicted meeting with his generals on the east side and again at the north entrance, arming a Black man with a rifle to defend his freedom

Year-round programming carries on the monument’s legacy. Caretakers staff it seven days a week, with special ceremonies on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and 9/11.

“History doesn’t necessarily repeat itself, but it does rhyme,” Palumbo says. “The gravity of war, the intentionality of it and the importance of honoring those that serve — that message flows through time.” — Lucas Yang

3 Public Square, Cleveland 44114, 216/443-6878, soldiersandsailors.com

‘POPEYE’ REED SANDSTONE FIGURE

This 20.5-inch carving dates to the 1970s or ’80s.

Ernest Jackson Reed was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1919, and like many young men of his generation, left school in his early teens to prepare for adulthood. After a stretch of odd jobs, he found steady work making furniture, drawing from his childhood interest in woodcarving. Furniture-making paid the bills, but by the late 1960s, Reed’s carvings began to earn him a more artistic reputation.

Sales at flea markets and festivals eventually led to appearances at the Ohio State Fair, where Reed developed a passion for carving sandstone. The forearm strength such work required earned him the nickname “Popeye.” He hauled massive chunks of sandstone to his home from sites across Jackson County, salvaging old house and bridge foundations, carving them exclusively with tools he made or modified to suit his needs.

His works range in size and subject matter and combine images from Christianity, as well as Greek, Egyptian and Native American mythology. The figure depicted in this work, likely made during the 1970s or ’80s, emulates a serene female form, whose robes offer hints of ancient cultures or perhaps a church choir. — Hollie Davis

Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio.

Presidential Pedigree

Veteran reporter Gene Kinn talks about meeting nine U.S. presidents over the course of his more than three-decade career in journalism.

Whether interviewing future and sitting presidents of the United States, riding 200 miles per hour at the Daytona International Speedway with an Indianapolis 500-winning driver or speaking with the man who inspired “The Fugitive,” veteran reporter Gene Kinn never shied away from an assignment.

With over 32 years of working for WFOB radio in Fostoria and writing for regional newspapers under his belt, Kinn has experiences most journalists dream about. Perhaps his proudest moments were meeting nine U.S. presidents — four of whom he formally interviewed — and former Mexican President Vicente Fox.

“I’ve been extremely fortunate,” Kinn says. “To me, it was something new and exciting every day.”

The interviews — with John F. Kennedy (who was a senator at the time), Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford — were part of his reporting work. The other meetings with Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush — stemmed from his involvement in city government and politics.

“I did what you’re not supposed to do, which is mix news and politics,” Kinn says. “I never had a real problem with it, and I don’t know whether others did or not. I never got any real serious feedback from it. I enjoyed it.” — Kristina Smith

Did you ever feel nervous or intimidated at all to interview a U.S. president?

A: I never felt intimidated by talking with them. I figure they’re a human being like I am, and they just made it a little further than I did. There was a serious tornado on Palm Sunday in 1965. … Ford was giving a speech in Findlay. I had a chance to talk to him one on one. I interviewed him for probably 15 minutes while he was waiting [to go on].

Did you have a favorite presidential interview?

A: Probably Ford because I spent the most time with [him]. He was really so down to earth, it was like talking to an old friend. I had no problem conversing with him. I was with Nixon on a flight from Cleveland to Chicago [in 1969]. Going back and sitting next to him and interviewing him on the plane, he was very outgoing. I didn’t find any of them who were aloof.

What advice can you share for someone pursuing a goal where they need to be bold?

A: Follow your inner feelings. … I wanted to meet all these famous people, and [thought] maybe some of their image would reflect on me. I think we all are kind of awestruck by presidents and senators and that type of thing. Once you finally interviewed two or three of them and found out, frankly, how easy it was and they went out of their way to accommodate me, I just carried that attitude forward from then on.

Veteran reporter Gene Kinn spent more than 32 years at WFOB in Fostoria and also wrote for regional newspapers during his career.

DATEBOOK

The Wiz Nov. 11–16: Dayton

This musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz opened at New York City’s Majestic Theater on Jan. 5, 1975, and was followed by a film starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor. With a book by William F. Brown and score by Charlie Smalls, “The Wiz” still enchants audiences today with a touring production set to stop at Dayton’s Schuster Center in November. This version adds new touches, while keeping the same soul, gospel, rock and funk music that won the show the Tony Award for Best Musical. 1 W. Second St., Dayton 45402, 937/2883630, daytonlive.org

Calendar of Events: Your holiday plans start here. Check out our guide to exhibitions, shows and other happenings scheduled between now and the end of December.

Threads of History: Family and fashion merge at the Cleveland Museum of Art in an exhibition that shares how iconic Italian design houses have transcended centuries

OF HISTORY

Family and fashion merge at the Cleveland Museum of Art in an exhibition that shares how iconic Italian design houses have transcended centuries. By Ilona Westfall

he long, black Alberta Ferretti halter dress with a white lace blouse stands alongside “Portrait of a Woman,” a 16th-century Agnolo Bronzino painting that depicts its subject wearing a lace partlet sown over the neckline of a black dress. Like the more than 100 examples of modern Italian fashions and accessories featured in “Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses,” the Alberta Ferretti ensemble appears to be inspired by the depictions of style seen in art of the past.

The exhibition, on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art Nov. 9 through Feb. 1, compares contemporary fashions to Italian fine, decorative and textile arts from the 1400s to the early 1600s. Five hundred years ago, powerful Italian families, or “houses” controlled textile production and set the fashion trends shown in portraiture of the time. Now, houses like Versace and Ferragamo, which are often run by families, set today’s trends while featuring fresh takes on the past.

“You can see it in the historical sense through the art that’s presented from our collection and then also through the clothes themselves and the perspectives of the 20th- and 21st-century Italian designers,” says Darnell Lisby, associate curator of fashion at the Cleveland Museum of Art. “It is an Italian story, two worlds coming together.”

The exhibition features clothing from some of the biggest designers in fashion, including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Valentino, Moschino, Moncler and Bulgari. The outfits are each given context via works of art. A Gianni Versace-designed chainmail dress embroidered with crosses is displayed alongside a processional cross from the museum’s collection to highlight how Catholicism inspired Versace. Several velvet textiles with a floral motif from the 1600s are presented next to a 2025 Max Mara dress in a similar fabric.

“It’s a nice retrospective of so many different houses that have contributed so beautifully to the lexicon of fashion,” Lisby says.

The past also meets the present through a large digital installation that greets visitors upon arrival. Acclaimed fashion creative director

and videographer Francesco Carrozzini created the installation in conjunction with Henry Hargreaves and used AI to blend traditional art with the pieces on view to show how fashion transcends time.

“Fashion can really be this portal to understanding not only layers of the past but how the past really informs the present,” Lisby says.

11150 East Blvd., Cleveland 44106, 216/421-7350, clevelandart.org

Evening Ensemble, privé, fall 2018. Giorgio Armani for Giorgio Armani (opposite page); Valentino Blue, with Fall 2018 Moncler “Ensemble” by Pierpaolo Piccioli for Moncler (above)

DATEBOOK

What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of Mad Magazine

Nov. 21–March 1

Since opening in 1886, the Cincinnati Art Museum has displayed works from some of the world’s most notable artists. Starting this fall, it will showcase work from the Usual Gang of Idiots. That’s the mostly affectionate term used to describe the writers and artists who created Mad Magazine, a staple for teens (and the immature at heart) for generations.

“What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of Mad Magazine” opens Nov. 21 and runs through March 1. It premiered in 2024 at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Massachusetts, and advisors included many of the magazine’s contributors, including Sam Viviano, who served as its art director. The exhibition includes more than 200 pieces of original art created for the magazine as well as ephemera like shirts, action figures and even neckties.

“It’s going to be a little different than what we’ve done in the past, but it will hopefully bring in a lot of new people to the museum,” says Emily Agricola Holtrop, director of learning and interpretation at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Mad started as a comic book series published under Entertainment Comics in 1952 before taking off as a fullfledged magazine filled with satirical stories and parodies of popular media of the day.

“It was really one of the first things to look at social and historical issues through a satirical lens,” Holtrop says. “Nobody was exempt. A lot of kids reading Mad learned about the events of the day through humor.”

The magazine inspired everything from an off-Broadway musical to board games to mass-market paperbacks and other collectibles. New Mad content is still being turned out and the magazine’s influence is undeniable.

“It’s had such an impact on our culture,” Holtrop says. “Institutions like ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘The Daily Show’ wouldn’t exist without Mad. because the people who created them are all fans.” — Vince Guerrieri

953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati 45202, 513/721-2787, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

event

Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald

Nov. 7–10: Toledo

It has been 50 years since the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior on Nov. 10, 1975. The ship’s captain and much of its crew lived in Toledo, so it’s fitting that the anniversary is being honored at the city’s National Museum of the Great Lakes. The four days of remembrance include documentary screenings, a commemorative ceremony, live music and even an Edmund Fitzgerald-themed tour aboard the museum’s ship, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker. nmgl.org

Sawyer Brown

Nov. 15: Marietta

Enjoy an evening of high-energy music at Peoples Bank Theatre in downtown Marietta with this four-man group (including Ohioborn lead vocalist Mark Miller) that found fame on the first season of the show “Star Search.” Sawyer Brown brings its country and rock sound to the stage, performing popular songs from its decadeslong career. peoplesbank theatre.com

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents “Slippery When Wet”

Nov. 21: Newark

Hear the music of 1980s rockers Bon Jovi come to life as The Black Jacket Symphony performs the band’s iconic album “Slippery When Wet” in its entirety. Hear legendary tunes such as “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name” during this show at Newark’s Midland Theatre. midlandtheatre.org music

music

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER

Central festivals

NOV 21–JAN 4

Columbus Zoo Wildlights

Experience the magic of the holidays at this annual gathering featuring millions of LED lights and animated musical shows. Arrive early to catch a glimpse of the animals before they retreat for the evening. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, 614/6453400. columbuszoo.org. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 22

Ohio Made Holiday Market

Shop for your Christmas presents from more than 80 Ohio makers selling handcrafted wares. Stay for cocktails, fine dining and a visit from Santa himself. Hollywood Casino Columbus, 200 Georgeville Rd., Columbus, facebook.com/ ohiomadeevents. Noon–5 p.m. $7

NOV 22–29

Aladdin Shrine FEZtival of Trees

Purchase raffle tickets and enter for a chance to win a Christmas tree with all the gifts underneath. Plus, enjoy food, music and other fun activities for the whole family. Aladdin Shrine Center, 1801 Gateway Circle, Grove City, 614/475-2609. aladdinfeztival.com. Visit website for times. Adults $5, children 12 and under free.

NOV 25

West Liberty Christmas Light Up The Village Tractor Parade

Visit West Liberty for a day of shopping, followed

by the annual tractor parade. Join the village in welcoming Santa, who comes bearing gifts and will be sitting for pictures in Santa’s Gazebo. Downtown West Liberty, 201 N. Detroit St., 937/465-0580. 6:30 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JAN 9

2025 Biennial Juried Exhibition

The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery presents the Biennial Juried Exhibition featuring 61 Ohio artists, selected by jurors Wendy Earle, Charlotte Gordon and Deidre Hamlar. Image Credit: Steven Elbert, “Still Life with Amaryllis and Artichoke.” 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 11, 2026

Las Vegas Ikebana: Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi

See a decades-long partnership between Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi come to life during this exhibit that highlights artwork alongside videos, collages and more. Columbus Museum of Art at the Pizzuti, 632 Park St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum. org. Visit website for times and prices.

THRU DEC 13

Around the World in 80 Dolls Travel the globe with this exhibit showcasing Miss Helen Schoedinger’s collection of over 500 handcrafted travel dolls that hail from more than 50 countries. The Doll Museum, 50 W. New England Ave., Worthington, 614/885-1247. worthingtonhistory.org. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. $3.

THRU NOV 30

Ancient Cross Exhibition

See an impressive collection of more than 150 ancient crosses, spanning 200 to 1200 A.D. The Museum of Catholic Art & History, 257 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/618-4030. catholicmuseum. org. Visit website for times and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

NOV 13

Caitlin Canty

Experience Caitlin Canty’s hauntingly distinct voice and Americana sound. Touring in support

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.

Listings with photos are paid for by advertisers. For more information on enhanced listings, email us at adsales@ohiomagazine.com.

of her new album “Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove,” Canty is joined by Joachim Cooder and Will Seeders. Midland Theatre, 36 N. Park Pl. , Newark, 740/345-5483. midlandtheatre.org. 7 p.m. $35.

NOV 14–16

Messiah

Experience Handel’s “Messiah” reimagined by Mozart, with expanded orchestration and bold brass amplifying the oratorio’s power. The performance is a collaboration between the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and its chorus. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/4690939. columbussymphony.com. Fri.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Visit website for prices.

NOV 28–30

A Christmas Carol

Based on the Charles Dickens classic, this beloved holiday story makes its way back to the Ohio Theatre for Thanksgiving weekend. Directed by Edward Carignan, the show features local and national performers, music, dance and festive carols. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. Fri.–Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Visit website for prices.

OTHER EVENTS

NOV 15

Tinctures & Glycerites: Crafting Herbal Extracts

Join this hands-on herbalism workshop designed to encourage participants in building their own modern home apothecary. Explore the art of making powerful tinctures, glycerites and infused vinegars meant to support wellness. Pickaway County Park District Headquarters, 16405 St. Rte. 23, South Bloomfield, 740/420-5451. pickawaycountyparks.org. 1–2:30 p.m. $35.

NOV 29

Luminous Layers: Shimmer Painting

Create your own shimmering masterpiece. Attend this relaxing artistic workshop and create a beautiful nature print to take home. The project, which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, will come together with hands-on assistance from local artist and naturalist Nora Steele. Pickaway County Park District Headquarters, 16405 St. Rte. 23, South Bloomfield, 740/420-5451. pickawaycountyparks.org. Noon–4 p.m. $12.

Northeast festivalS

NOV 14

Dutch Valley Christmas Tree Lighting

Enjoy an evening of holiday fun and watch the campus light up for the season. Stick around afterward for a showing of “King of Kings” at the Ohio Star Theater. Dutch Valley Campus, 1343 Old Rte. 39 NE, Sugarcreek, 330/852-4627. dhgroup.com/tree-lighting-ceremony. 5:30–7 p.m. Free.

NOV 21

Window Wonderland

Celebrate the season on Wooster Public Square with the lighting of the children’s tree, Santa’s rooftop arrival, ornament making, tasty treats, a downtown open house and more festive events. Historic Downtown Wooster, 330/262-6222. mainstreetwooster.org. 3–9 p.m. Free.

NOV 22–23

Christmas at the Farmhouse

Hit this cozy market to shop from over 50 local vendors selling handmade gifts. Enjoy Christmas carolers, food trailers and hot chocolate as you browse — just make sure to dress for the weather. The Farmhouse 1087, 1087 St. Rte. 534, Newton Falls, 330/675-3081. trulytrumbull. com. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.

NOV 28–DEC 28

Christmas at the Fort

Fort Steuben transformed with colorful lights, singing trees, live entertainment, trolley rides, tours and a Holiday Market packed with crafts, gifts and food. Historic Fort Steuben,

120 S. Third St., Steubenville, 740/283-1787. oldfortsteuben.com. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.

NOV 28–DEC 30

Akron Zoo Wild Lights

Enjoy over 1 million lights, visits from Santa and new themed areas, as well as elf-led golf cart tours with s’mores, cocoa and animal stories at this annual display. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330/275-2550. akronzoo.org. 5–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.

NOV 29–DEC 30

Christmas at Kingwood

Experience twinkling lights and magical nights during this event at Kingwood Center Gardens. Create a holiday tradition with friends and family filled with lights, laughter and wonder. Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 N. Trimble Rd., Mansfield, 419/522-0211. kingwoodcenter.org. Tues.–Sun. 3–9 p.m. Timed tickets are required. Visit website for prices.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JAN 11, 2026

From Oil to Art: A Rockefeller Legacy Rooted in Industry, Innovation, and Imagination

Explore the legacy of John D. Rockefeller and his business empire. This exhibit includes the first public showing of a number of historical artifacts and artworks from select Rockefeller family collections and works by Steven Rockefeller Jr. The Medici Museum of Art, 99350 E. Market St., Warren, 330/856-2120. medicimuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

THRU DEC 23

Picturing Paris: Monet and the Modern City

See a showcase focusing on Claude Monet’s early Parisian cityscapes, painted at an elevated viewpoint in the Louvre. Allen Memorial Art Museum, 87 N. Main St., Oberlin, 440/775-8665. amam.oberlin.edu. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

THRU FEB 8, 2026

Alfred McMoore: All This Luck in My Head

View the first solo museum exhibit for Akron artist Alfred McMoore, who, after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, turned to the daily practice of drawing to express his imagination. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron, 330/376-9186. akronartmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Adults $12, seniors $10, students $8, children free.

THRU FEB 1, 2026

Renaissance to the Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses

Discover how centuries of Italian art and power

have shaped global style through over 100 historical designs. The exhibition explores the connections between modern Italian fashion and its roots in Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque artistry. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart. org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

NOV 1–JAN 31, 2026

Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown

Relive the joy and pitfalls of the holidays with the Peanuts gang. Discover the making of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” in this traveling exhibition organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton, 330/4557043. mckinleymuseum.org. Tues.–Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. Noon–4 p.m. Visit website for prices.

NOV 25–MARCH 1, 2026

Shattered Glass: The Women Who Elevated American Art

Explore this major exhibition of American female artists (many of whom are from Ohio) who made a lasting impact on the global art world. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, 330/453-7666. cantonart.org. Visit website for times and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

NOV 6

An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

See world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma with The Cleveland Orchestra. The performance includes romantic masterpieces such as Dvořák’s “Cello Concerto,” of which Ma is known for interpreting in a deeply moving, definitive manner. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/231-7300. clevelandorchestra.com.

7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

NOV 7

A Temptations Tribute: Shadows of the ’60s

Relive Motown magic with this award-winning Temptations tribute show. Enjoy iconic hits with authentic renditions of “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” and “Just My Imagination.” Robins Theatre, 160 E. Market St., Warren, 234/437-6246. robinstheatre.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.

See Historic

NOV 13

Cleveland Keys Dueling Pianos

Cleveland Keys Dueling Pianos delivers an electrifying musical experience, offering a thrilling blend of interactive piano performances. Crafted by skilled pianists united by their passion for entertainment, the act seamlessly intertwines music, humor and audience participation. Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9353. hartvillekitchen.com. 1–3 p.m. $35–$45.

NOV 29

Jazzy Little Christmas with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Ernie Haase’s Signature Sound has been delivering dynamic four-part harmony for two decades. The group’s versatility shines through projects like their jazz-influenced holiday collection “A Jazzy Little Christmas.” Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9353. hartvillekitchen.com. 1–2:30 p.m. $40–$50.

NOV 29–DEC 16

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

Follow the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he’s visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. A Broadway-style score and witty lyrics breathe new life into this beloved tale of holiday redemption. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. ohiostartheater.com. 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. $43–$62.49.

OTHER EVENTS

NOV 15–DEC 31

Memories of Christmas Past

Returning for its 17th year, this event at the Arms Family Museum is filled with warm lights, laughter and timeless traditions, bringing cherished memories of Christmas past alive for every visitor. Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown, 330/743-2589. mahoninghistory. org. Tues.–Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $10, seniors and college students $9, children ages 3–18 $8, children under 3 free.

NOV 15

Thanksgiving Dinner with Abraham Lincoln Celebrate Turkey Day with a classic feast along-

side President Lincoln and other costumed interpreters. Enjoy a plate of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables and dessert while seasonal music plays and youth activities are made available. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 216/721-5722. wrhs.org. 3–6 p.m. Adults $55, members $50, children 3–12 $25, children 2 and under free.

NOV 21

Subterranean Secrets of Silver Creek

Explore the 2-mile Chippewa Trail to learn more about diverse soils, hidden wildlife and more. Silver Creek Metro Park, 5199 Medina Line Rd., Norton, 330/867-5511. summitmetroparks.org. 10 a.m. Free.

NOV 22

Christkindlmarket Dennison

Located in Historic Downtown Dennison this event offers a premier holiday market featuring artisan goods, authentic German baked treats, festive activities, delicious food and much more. Downtown Dennison, 15 N. Fourth St., Dennison, 614/507-2201. tcfarmersmarket.com. Noon–6 p.m. Free.

NOV 25–JAN 9, 2026

Steubenville Nutcracker Village

See over 200 unique, larger-than-life Nutcrackers displayed throughout the historic downtown with lights, music, Christmas trees, art displays, hayrides and other activities. Downtown Steubenville, 155 N. Fourth St., Steubenville, 740/371-6020. steubenvillenutcrackervillage. com. Visit website for times. Free.

NOV 28–DEC 13

720 Holiday Market at Oakwood Square

The Holiday Market at Oakwood Square offers

a delightful blend of local shopping and festive activities set in a European-inspired outdoor market village. Oakwood Square Plaza, 2610 Easton Ave. NE, Canton, eventsby720.com. Fri. 4–8 p.m., Sat. Noon–7 p.m. Free.

Northwest festivalS

NOV 22

Bowling Green Holiday Parade

Kick off the season at northwest Ohio’s largest holiday parade. Enjoy festive floats and marching bands, with Santa Claus himself even making an appearance. Downtown Bowling Green, Main Street, Bowling Green, 419/353-7945. bgchamber.net. 10 a.m. Free.

THRU DEC 13

Sandusky Christmas Market

Enjoy a seasonal outing with fun and shopping for the whole family. Explore a festive outdoor market filled with 40-plus vendors, live entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer. Schade-Mylander Plaza, 108 W. Shoreline Dr., Sandusky, sanduskychristmasmarket.com. Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. noon–9 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU NOV 30

Infinite Images: The Art of Algorithms

Computer art dates to the 1960s, and this exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art explores how art comes to life through algorithms and mathematical principles in a world that is quickly adapting to artificial intelligence. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/2558000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.

THRU JAN 18, 2026

Radiance and Reverie: Jewels from the Collection of Neil Lane

View this dazzling exhibit celebrating the romance of fine jewelry across time. The collection is made up of over 150 pieces from “jeweler to the stars” Neil Lane. Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, 419/255-8000. toledomuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

NOV 14

Riley Green

Head to the Glass City’s Huntington Center to see Green — alongside special guests Drake White and Hannah McFarland — perform at this stop on his “Damn Country Music” tour. Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 419/255-3300. huntingtoncentertoledo.com. 6:45 p.m. Visit website for prices.

OTHER EVENTS

NOV 21–JAN 3, 2026

North Pole Express

Ride through a winter wonderland on festive quarter-scale trains. Plus, explore toy train displays and glittery trees. Make sure to pay Santa

a visit before you go. Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 12505 County Rd. 99, Findlay, 419/423-2995. nworrp.org. Fri.–Sat. 5:30–9 p.m., Sun. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Adults $5, children 12 and under $3.

NOV 24–JAN 4, 2026

Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge

Slide and splash at this annual celebration that features a family dance party, bingo, competitive games, a scavenger hunt and trivia. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the arts and crafts area for some kid-focused creativity. Great Wolf Lodge, 4600 Milan Rd., Sandusky, greatwolf. com. Visit website for times and prices.

Southeast

Festivals

NOV 9–10

Ironton Wizardfest

Celebrate fandom and folklore at this immersive Appalachian festival. From broom racing to butterscotch brews, enjoy cosplay, crafts, celebrity panels, wizardy classes, magical creatures and more. Plus, spend the night dancing at the Wizard’s Ball. Downtown Ironton, Center Street, Ironton, irontonwizardfest.com. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 21–23

Downtown Holiday Open House

Experience holiday joy with sparkling lights, charming shops, delicious dining, seasonal activities and visits from Santa Claus. It’s the perfect setting to create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Downtown Chillicothe, 740/702-7677. visitchillicotheohio.com. Visit website for times. Free.

NOV 26–JAN 2, 2026

Gallipolis in Lights

See thousands of holiday lights displayed throughout Gallipolis City Park during the holiday season. This annual event is recognized as one of USA Today’s “Merriest Main Streets.” Gallipolis City Park, 334 Second Ave., Gallipolis, 740/446-6882. facebook.com/GallipolisInLights. Visit website for times. Free.

Take in the wonders of the season in Portsmouth, a Hallmark Hometown Christmas Town. Enjoy activities like ice skating, craft vendors, cozy carriage rides and more. Market Square Park, 203 Market St., Portsmouth, 740/3531116. friendsofportsmouth.com/winterfest. Visit website for times and prices.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU JAN 4, 2026

Food for Thought: A Taste of the Canton Museum of Art Collection

This exhibit looks at what we eat, how we eat it and who we eat with, creating an intimate look at the role food plays in American art and culture. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, 740/681-1423. decartsohio.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

THRU DEC 7

Interpretations of an American Dream

View powerful perspectives on identity and

aspiration at this juried, all-media exhibition. Its works reflect hope, critique and personal truth, capturing how we dream in today’s ever-shifting landscape. Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Ln., Athens, 740/592-4981. dairybarn.org. Wed.–Sun. Noon–5 p.m. $12.

THRU JAN 10, 2026

Howard Chandler Christy: A Golden Age Master from the Trembly Family Collection

Discover the rich legacy of Ohio native Howard Chandler Christy. This exhibition explores his impact on America’s visual identity, from iconic “Christy Girl” images to intimate presidential portraits. Zanesville Museum of Art, 620 Military Rd., Zanesville, 740/452-0741. zanesvilleart. org. Visit website for museum hours and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

NOV 8

Fleetwood Gold: Fleetwood Mac Tribute

This group brings the sound and soul of Fleetwood Mac to life with powerful harmonies and great musicianship. The tribute experience spans the band’s legacy, including Stevie Nicks’ solo hits. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe. net. 7:30 p.m. $30–$42.

NOV 15

Sam Bush Band

A true pioneer of progressive bluegrass, Sam Bush blends mandolin playing with decades of boundary-pushing innovation. With his genre-defying band and stage presence, this is

a chance to hear the spirit of New Grass come alive, fueled by Bush’s signature jam-band energy. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. stuartsoperahouse. org. 7 p.m. $45–$65.

NOV 15

Sawyer Brown

Catch legendary road warriors Sawyer Brown as the group brings four decades of highenergy, blue-collar country rock to the stage Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/373-0894. peoplesbanktheatre.com. 8 p.m. $77.50–$162.50.

NOV 23

Shovels & Rope

Shovels & Rope’s raw, risk-taking sound is shaped by live performance and honest storytelling. Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Sq., Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. stuartsoperahouse. org. 7:30 p.m. $30–$45.

OTHER EVENTS

NOV 1–DEC 12

Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt

Explore the shops of Hocking Hills while collecting stamps at six participating locations for great prizes. Submit your map for the chance to win a weekend getaway packed with adventures and cozy cabin stays. Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center, 13178 St. Rte. 664, Logan, 740/385-9706. explorehockinghills.com. Visit website for times. Free.

NOV 1–JAN 1

Step back in time at Dickens Victorian Village, where life-size scenes featuring classic Charles Dickens characters re-create the charm, spirit and magic of the Victorian era. Historic Downtown Cambridge, 708 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 740/421-4956. dickensvictorianvillage. com. Visit website for times and prices.

Southwest

festivals

NOV 7–9

Sugarplum Festival of the Trees

Browse dazzling holiday trees, shop a handmade gift boutique and stock up on baked goods at this annual gathering. Make sure to snap a free photo with Santa while you’re there. Life Connection of Ohio, 2800 Donation Cir., Kettering, 937/641-3405. childrensdayton.org. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 20–JAN 4, 2026

PNC Festival of Lights

Wander through a display of 5 million LED lights at the 43rd year of this holiday favorite. Spot Fiona fairies, enjoy blacklight puppets and snack on seasonal concessions. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, 513/281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 28

Holiday in the City

Head to downtown Springfield to celebrate this event that features a fireworks and drone show, Santa’s arrival, an outdoor ice-skating rink and the highly anticpated Grand Illumination. Downtown Springfield, 937/325-7621. facebook.com/ holidayinthecityspfld. 5–8 p.m. Free.

NOV 28–DEC 31

Winterfest at Kings Island

Step into a holiday wonderland and take in over 7 million lights, ice skating and live entertainment. Complete your Christmas shopping, and then be sure to see the iconic Kings Island Eiffel Tower lit to resemble a 314-foot-tall Christmas

tree. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason, 513/754-5700. visitkingsisland.com. Visit website for times and prices.

NOV 29

Crafty Supermarket

The Queen City gets creative during this indie arts-and-crafts show. Visitors can meet more than 100 makers, listen to a live DJ, try hands-on crafts and dig into great local food. Be one of the first 100 shoppers and receive a free swag bag. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/374-9734. craftysupermarket.com. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

THRU DEC 7

Faith & (In)Justice

Dive deeper into America’s 250-year social justice journey through Christianity, Islam and Judaism. See powerful artifacts — from Muhammad Ali’s signed gloves to a re-created Black praise house — highlighting faith’s role in equity and conflict. Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, 513/333-7500. freedomcenter. org. Visit website for times and prices.

THRU JAN 18, 2026

Rediscovered Treasures

Uncover hidden histories in nearly 60 East Asian paintings, ceramics and sculptures from China, Japan and Korea. Plus, discover how advanced conservation and scholarship have traced their craftsmanship and cultural significance. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum.org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

THRU JAN 4, 2026

Strange Worlds: Photographs by Jay Hoops

View Jay Hoops’ atmospheric Polaroid photography, capturing moments made interesting with dramatic light. The exclusive Dayton Art Institute exhibit showcases her experimental work, blending instant images with dreamlike scenes. Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278. daytonartinstitute. org. Visit website for museum hours. Visit website for prices.

THRU JAN 11, 2026

The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art View curvilinear designs and nature-based motifs of the Art Nouveau style; see more than 120 turn-of-the-century gems, including prints, glass art, paintings and furniture, among other media. Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton, 937/223-4278. daytonartinstitute. org. Visit website for museum hours. Visit website for prices.

NOV 21–MAR 1, 2026

What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of Mad Magazine

Laugh through seven decades of satire and explore more than 150 original artworks, iconic characters and the sharp, hilarious legacy of Mad Magazine’s beloved “Usual Gang of Idiots.” Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 513/721-2787. cincinnatiartmuseum. org. Visit website for museum hours. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

NOV 29–30

Dvořák Symphony No. 7

This Thanksgiving, explore the meaning of “home” with music from composers deeply influenced by their cultural roots and traditions. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/381-3300. cincinnatisymphony.org. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15–$124.

OTHER EVENTS

THRU NOV 30

Glass Pumpkin Blow

With help from professional glassblowers, make your own pumpkin from hot molten glass. Neusole Glassworks, 11925 Kemper Springs Dr., Cincinnati, 513/751-3292. neusoleglassworks. com. Visit website for times. $55.

NOV 8

Adult Workshop: Stained Glass Pumpkins

Learn to construct and solder glass, then create a beautiful stained glass piece with help from Ohio artist Laura Waligorski. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. 10 a.m.–noon. Adults $50, members $40.

NOV 8

Adult Workshop: Tea Blending with Native Plants

Experiment with dried herbs, fruits and flowers and create a custom tea blend with Cass Ruhlman, owner and tea blender at Antiquity Teahouse. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 513/868-8336. pyramidhill.org. 1–2:30 p.m. Adults $55, members $45.

NOV 29–DEC 23

Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve

Be transported into a winter wonderland with over 60 light displays. This 1.25-mile driving tour takes you through the woods, down charming farm lanes and past the historic Knoop Homestead. Lost Creek Reserve & Knoop Agricultural Heritage Center, 2645 E. St. Rte. 41, Troy, 937/335-6273. miamicountyparks.com/holidaylights. 6–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.

DECEMBER

Central festivals

DEC 5

Bellefontaine Hometown Christmas Parade

Enjoy food trucks, caroling and more seasonal fun before gathering for the spectacular parade that celebrates the season in the heart of Ohio’s Christmas Capital. Downtown Bellefontaine, 100 S. Main St., Bellefontaine, 937/599-5121. downtowndaysbtown.com. 4 p.m. Free.

DEC 5–7

Columbus Winterfair

Shop from over 350 artists and gourmet vendors at this annual winter event, featuring new works by emerging makers. Enjoy live demonstrations, create make-and-take projects and relax at the wine bar. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 614/486-4402. winterfair.org. Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Adults $7, children 12 and under free.

DEC 6

Holiday Hop

Explore one of central Ohio’s largest pedestrianonly events, featuring art, live performances and community activities. Short North Arts District, West First Avenue, Columbus, 614/299-8050. shortnorth.org. Noon–8 p.m. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

DEC 5

Ben Schwartz & Friends

See this improvisational comedy show from “Parks and Recreation” star Ben Schwartz, who prepares none of his content in advance, making each city’s performance different from the rest. Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. capa.com. 8:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

DEC 5–7

Holiday Pops at CSO

See the Ohio Theatre decked out with holiday lights and a dose of festive cheer courtesy of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. The performance, conducted by Stuart Chafetz, is set to feature special guests and beloved classic carols. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/469-0939. columbussymphony.com. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 3 p.m. Visit website for prices.

DEC 11–28

BalletMet Presents The Nutcracker Celebrate the season with Clara’s magical

journey through the Land of Snow and courts of the Sugar Plum Fairy, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless and familiar score. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus, 614/229-4860. balletmet.org. Thurs.–Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat.–Sun. noon–5 p.m. Visit website for prices.

OTHER EVENTS

DEC 4

Cocktails at the Conservatory: Merry Martini

Explore dazzling holiday displays set up around the conservatory while enjoying martini samples from local distilleries. Prepare for a festive night of lights, drinks and seasonal wonder. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/715-8000. fpconservatory.org. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Adults $35, members $30

Northeast

festivals

DEC 6–JAN 2, 2026 Memorial LightFest

See Wadsworth’s Memorial Park lit up for the holidays with a drive-thru Christmas tree display. Memorial Park, 187 Ault St., Wadsworth, 330/336-6150. 5 p.m. Free.

DEC 6–13

Christmas in Zoar Village

Take a guided Christmas tour of this preserved village, where festive German traditions come to life in beautifully decorated 19th-century buildings. Explore the origins of holiday customs while enjoying the charm and history of Zoar. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage.com. Visit website for times. $15.

DEC 10 A Tini Bit Merry

This festive holiday experience at Gervasi Vineyard features handcrafted martinis, seasonal treats and joyful ambiance. It’s the perfect event for bringing friends together and celebrating the season in style. Gervasi Vineyard Resort &

Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. 6 p.m. $39.

MUSIC + THEATER

DEC 1

In the Christmas Mood with Glenn Miller Orchestra

Experience timeless swing as the Glenn Miller Orchestra performs holiday classic like “White Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/231-7300. clevelandorchestra. com. 7 p.m. Visit website for prices.

DEC 9

Tunes by the Towpath: Cynthia Cioffari and the BassonaRoos

Cynthia Cioffari is joined by the University of Akron Bassoonaroos for a festive holiday concert filled with rich bassoon harmonies and seasonal favorites in a unique chamber music setting. Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 Market St. NE, Canal Fulton, 419/853-6016. ormaco.org. Visit website for times. Free.

DEC 14

Barbara Rosene: A Jolly Holiday with the American Songbook

Accompanied by pianist Rock Wehrmann, Barbara Rosene sings her favorite holiday jazz numbers from the Great American Songbook in this festive musical performance. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 419/853-6016. ormaco.org. 2–3 p.m. Free.

DEC 18

A Tribute to John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas Starring Ted Vigil

Ted Vigil captures the spirit of John Denver with heartfelt performances of classic hits, bringing the beloved sounds of Rocky Mountain Christmas to life in a nostalgic holiday tribute. Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330/877-9353. hartvillekitchen. com. 7–8:30 p.m. $45–$65.

OTHER EVENTS

DEC 5–7

Light Up The Lodge

Twinkling lights, holiday cheer and Christmas festivities come together in this event that is the perfect kickoff to the holiday season. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, 4888 N. Broadway, 866/806-8066. thelodgeatgeneva.com. Visit website for times and prices.

DEC 6

Drop In: Butter Making

Learn about butter’s rich history and how to make your own at this hands-on event. Drop in to

churn and taste your creation. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, 330/867-5511. summitmetroparks.org. 1:30–3:30 p.m. Free.

DEC 6

Holiday Open House

Stroll the grounds of the Wayne County Historical Society while enjoying the Dickensian Christmas atmosphere. Be sure to visit the oldest house in Wooster — the Beall-Stibbs House — while you’re there. Wayne County Historical Society, 546 E. Bowman St., Wooster, 330/2648856. waynehistoricalohio.org. 5–8 p.m. Adults $5, children 17 and under free.

DEC 17

Cookies in The Cave with Mrs. Kringle

Step into a sweet and sparkling holiday wonderland at this event featuring festive treats, Gervasi wines and cheerful photo moments in The Cave. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard. com. 6–8 p.m. $42.

Northwest festivals

DEC 3–7

Christmas Tree Festival

Marvel at over 100 uniquely decorated trees, meet “Evergreen” the talking Christmas tree and enjoy festive tours through the beautifully decorated historic MacDonell House. Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market St., Lima, 419/2229426. allencountymuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.

DEC 12

Lights of Spiegel Grove

Watch Santa light a 50-foot tree, then enjoy carolers, holiday refreshments, a model train display and a free open house with period decor. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 419/3322081. rbhayes.org. 6–7:30 p.m. Free.

DEC 31

New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop Ring in the New Year with this lake town’s

famous take on the festive ball drop. Watch a 600-pound fish descend at midnight, followed by fireworks, kids activities and bar shuttles. Downtown Port Clinton, Madison Street, Port Clinton, wyliewalleyefoundation.com. Visit website for times and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

DEC 4

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain

Christmas Carol

Experience Dickens’ classic story reimagined in a Smoky Mountain mining town. Featuring Dolly Parton’s music, this heartfelt production brings new life and Southern charm to the story of Scrooge. Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/4232787. mcpa.org. 7:30 p.m. $49–$139.

OTHER EVENTS

DEC 13–14

2025 Historic Homes Tour: Holiday Edition Tour festive houses during this locally beloved holiday tradition. Enjoy rich architecture and seasonal charm as you explore Hancock County’s heritage at your own pace. Downtown Findlay, 123 E. Main Cross St., Findlay, 419/4234433. hancockhistoricalmuseum.org. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit website for prices.

Southeast festivals

DEC 5

Marietta’s First Friday: Moonlight Madness

Experience a festive evening filled with holiday cheer, late-night shopping, twinkling lights, special deals and downtown charm to kick off the Christmas season. Downtown Marietta, 241 Front St., Marietta, 740/373-5178. mariettaohio. org. 5–10 p.m. Free.

DEC 6 & 13

Christmas Candlelighting at Roscoe Village

Spend a Saturday in Historic Roscoe Village and enjoy shopping, dinning, carriage rides, crafts and other holiday activities. Don’t miss out on cider and cookies and listening to Christmas carolers. Historic Roscoe Village, 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton, 740/622-7644. roscoevillage.com. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Free.

MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS

DEC 5

Discovering History: Ohio Cemeteries 101

Explore our state’s rich cemetery history with preservation expert Krista Horrocks as she

shares insights on research, documentation and care of these cultural treasures. The free event is sponsored by the Washington County Public Library. Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta, 740/373-3750. mariettamuseums. org. Noon–1 p.m. Free.

MUSIC + THEATER

DEC 6

Phil Dirt and the Dozers

Celebrate the season with longstanding group Phil Dirt & The Dozers as they perform classic rock ’n’ roll hits from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s alongside Christmas favorites. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/722-2041. majesticchillicothe.net. 7:30 p.m. $27–$42.

DEC 16

Christmas with John Berry

Grammy Award winner John Berry brings festive cheer with his 29th annual holiday tour, featuring classic carols, fan favorite staples like “O Holy Night” and heartwarming stories. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 740/772-2041. majesticchillicothe.net. 7:30 p.m. $30–$55.

Southwest festivals

DEC 6

Lebanon Horse and Carriage Parade and Festival

Come for the mini highland cow petting zoo and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and stay for local vendors, food trucks and two opportunities to see a horse-drawn carriage parade. Downtown Lebanon, 27 N. Mechanic St., Lebanon, 513/932-1100. lebanonchamber.org. 1 p.m., 7 p.m. Free.

DEC 6–7

Waynesville’s Christmas in the Village Festivities abound at this event featuring Santa Claus and festive costumed characters. Listen to carolers and choirs or join a gingerbread house-making contest. Downtown Waynesville, Main Street, Waynesville, 513/897-8855. waynesvilleshops.com. Visit website for times and prices.

MUSIC + THEATER

DEC 6

The Drowsy Lads

Feel the fire of Irish tradition and celebrate over 20 years of music, memories and foot-stomping fun with this longstanding group. Murphy Theatre, 50 W. Main St., Wilmington, 937/382-3643. themurphytheatre.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.

DEC 6–7

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Experience this Christmas classic reimagined as a 1940s-style radio broadcast. See actors voice multiple roles and create live sound effects. Holland Theatre, 127 E. Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, 937/592-9002. theholland.org. Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $7–$22.

FARM & TABLE

Noodle Nirvana

Chef Yash Kishinchand’s Flour Modern Pasta Bar in Columbus merges Italian cuisine with flavors from around the globe. »

Historic Feast: The Golden Lamb has been serving Thanksgiving Day meals for generations. Here is how you can be part of the longstanding tradition next year.

Juniper Brewing Co. : Chris and Zach Tracy’s combination brewery and coffee shop in Bowling Green creates a welcoming environment for community connection.

SPAGHETTI MARINARA

FARM & TABLE

Tempura-fried broccoli (above) and fried lasagna bites (right) are among Flour Modern Pasta Bar’s appetizers. The Purple Martini is a vodka-optional cocktail with flavors of lemon, blackberry, triple sec and lavender (bottom right).

Yash Kishinchand adeptly showcases flavors from other parts of the world at his restaurants. He owns the Indian restaurant Rooh in Columbus’ Short North Arts District, as well as the award-winning Swadesi Cafe in Chicago, which features chai, breakfast items and baked goods inspired by Indian and French flavors.

In late 2024, he turned his attention to Columbus’ north side to open Flour Modern Pasta Bar, a restaurant connected to Polaris Fashion Place that merges Italian classics with global flavors. In a part of town dominated by mostly chain restaurants, Kishinchand has created something new.

“We wanted to do something different,” he says. “We wanted it to feel like a breath of fresh of air in the space, something unexpected.”

The walls at Flour are decorated with different wallpaper patterns, with deep pinks and oranges providing pops of color. One wall features a collection of bundt pans and rolling pins, while framed images of fried eggs, whisks and other kitchen items hang on another. As the name implies, pastas are the focus at Flour.

“Pasta is my favorite food,” says Kishinchand, who makes his pastas in-house daily. “It’s such a blank canvas and you can do so much with it. Every culture has a version of a noodle.”

Kishinchand credits his background as a pastry chef for leading him to pasta.

“I was the one making pasta at the restaurants because the chefs were scared of it,” he jokes.

Pastas range from Spicy Kimchi Carbonara to Black Truffle Mac N Cheese to the Butter Chicken Alla Vodka that combines tandoori chicken with a red pepper and cashew makhani sauce. While dinner can be ordered a la carte, Kishinchand suggests the Tasting Menu. It features an amuse bouche to start the meal, a bread and salad course, a choice of pasta and a choice of dessert.

The food is complemented by an inventive bar program, fronted by a colorful lineup of cocktails that rotate seasonally. One of the mainstays is the Cafe Tiramisu Martini, a rich concoction of cold brew, Watershed Distillery vodka and dark chocolate liqueur topped with a mascarpone cold foam. It can be paired with a just-as-decadent slice of Tres Leches Tiramisu Cake, a dessert that draws on both Latin and Italian favorites with coffee-soaked cake, vanilla mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa. It’s a fitting finale to a fun, globally inspired menu. — Nicholas Dekker

1540 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus 43240, 614/396-9100, flouramodernpastabar.com

HISTORIC FEAST

The Golden Lamb has been serving Thanksgiving Day meals for generations.

Thanksgiving at the Golden Lamb offers more than just a meal. It provides an opportunity to be part of a longstanding tradition. By the time Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national observance on Oct. 3, 1863, the Golden Lamb had already been serving diners for decades.

Over the years, 12 U.S. presidents, authors Charles Dickens and Harriet Beecher Stowe, sharpshooter Annie Oakley and astronaut Neil Armstrong visited the landmark.

“To me, it’s about traditions,” says De-De Bailey, group event coordinator for the Golden Lamb, which opened in Lebanon in 1803. “A lot of people like to come here for Thanksgiving because their grandparents came here.”

The holiday at the Golden Lamb brings plates filled with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, and past years have also included beef, three-cheese lasagna and fried chicken. (The 2025 menu has not been finalized yet.) Thanksgiving Day reservations are full for this year, but the restaurant serves its signature turkey dinner year-round. (Reservations for Thanksgiving 2026 are available starting July 1.)

“Thanksgiving is, in some people’s eyes, a more labor-intensive meal to prepare,” Bailey says, “and we take the work out of it for you.”

— Maggie Amacher

27 S. Broadway St., Lebanon 45036, 513/932-5065, goldenlamb.com

FLOUR: ARIANNA WYANT; THE GOLDEN LAMB: COURTESY OF THE GOLDEN LAMB

Juniper Brewing Co.

Chris and Zach Tracy’s combination brewery and coffee shop in Bowling Green creates a welcoming environment for community connection.

When Chris and Zach Tracy gutted a building in Bowling Green to create their brewery, coffee shop and restaurant in 2020, they envisioned a place where members of the community could connect with friends and family.

They opened Juniper Brewing Co. a year later, and today the couple’s initial vision plays out regularly during breakfast lunch and dinner. The spacious, sun-filled dining room’s wooden tables and church pews are filled with people enjoying brews, be it one of the beers carefully crafted by Zach (a former chemistry teacher) or one of the coffee drinks from the menu of lattes, espressos and other caffeinated creations.

During a visit to Juniper Brewing Co. on a sunny Sunday afternoon, college students are here enjoying lunch and a beer with friends or typing on their laptops with a latte and some Juniper Balls (protein energy bites) in the coffee area. Families are found here, too, in a space meant to encourage connection and togetherness.

“I was super intentional about the feeling I wanted people to have when they walked in,” Chris says. “When you walk into Juniper, I want you to feel like you’re walking into my house. I want to show you what I’ve been working on. Bring your friends. Bring your kids.”

Chris, who has a master’s degree in business administration, and Zach, with his background in chemistry, work together to curate a menu of American comfort food that uses their beers in the dishes. The Smash Burger is the most popular item on the menu, and it goes well with the Soul Shine IPA. The Hazy IPA Mac and Cheese with sweet, tangy and salty bacon jam incorporates the Interstellar IPA and pairs well with it.

Juniper’s Brewing Co.’s most popular beers are the Ale Ziggy Zoomba, a blonde ale named after one of BGSU’s official fight songs, “Ay Ziggy Zoomba;” Soul Shine West Coast IPA, which is Juniper’s flagship IPA; and Seven Story Mountain oatmeal stout. Ciders, like the Scarlet Begonias, and seasonal beers are part of the menu as well.

“Oftentimes, we find the same person who likes a craft beer likes a really good coffee,” Chris says. “Expect the unexpected from Juniper. It’s always like, what are we going to do next?” — Kristina Smith

145 S. Main St., Bowling Green 43402, 419/819-4935, juniperbrew.com

Holiday Gift Guide

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Shop the Hall of Fame Store for Holiday Gifts!

One store, all 32 NFL teams and exclusive Hall of Fame gear. Open daily 9am-5pm. No admission to the museum is required to shop in the store. The perfect gifts for any football fan!

330-456-8207 | shop.profootballhof.com

Holiday Market at Oakwood Square

An enchanting outdoor Holiday experience reminiscent of European Christmas Markets and Hallmark movies. 720 Holiday Market boasts a delightful fusion of curated local shopping and festive activities over three weekends at Oakwood Square (Plain Township/Canton) — a dynamic multi-use plaza teeming with restaurants and retail. Unique entertainment and activities are planned for each weekend! 330-571-0367 | eventsby720.com

The Eastwood Mall Complex

Shop local this season at the largest shopping complex in the country; home to dozens of retailers, restaurants, and family-friendly experiences. The Eastwood Mall is a one-stop destination for holiday cheer, from handcrafted gifts to name-brand favorites. Wrap up your list, spend the night and make a weekend of it!

330-652-6980 | EastwoodMall.com

Lehman’s

Celebrate the holidays at Lehman’s in Kidron, Ohio — a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with unique gifts and timeless charm. From kitchen gadgets and cast iron to baking, canning, and homesteading essentials, Lehman’s offers something special for everyone seeking a simpler, more meaningful holiday season. 800-438-5346 | lehmans.com

Rooted Oaks OH

Rooted Oaks OH is a veteran and family-owned shop celebrating Ohio creativity all year long! Featuring handmade gifts and goods from over 60 local artisans and small businesses, it’s the perfect place to find something special this holiday season—or any time you want to shop local and support Ohio makers. 800-968-6531 | facebook.com/Rootedoaksstore

The Common Ground

Our biggest Holiday market this season is on December 13th & 14th! Over 150+ small businesses during our Home for the Holidays 2 Day Christmas Pop-up. Complete your holiday shopping, enjoy festive cocktails, and get into the Christmas spirit! 10am-4pm on Saturday & 11am-3pm on Sunday. Admission is free. thecommongroundwhs.com

Hartville Kitchen

Hartville Kitchen is a family-style restaurant and bakery in Hartville, Ohio, offering scratch-made homestyle meals, baked goods, and catered meals. The Shops at Hartville Kitchen span 25,000 sq. ft. and feature boutique brands, home décor, gifts, local artisans, toys, jewelry, and more.

330-877-9353 | hartvillekitchen.com

Treasure Trail

The 2026 Treasure Trail is a curated shopping adventure across Greater Akron and Summit County featuring 25 vintage, antique and retro boutiques. Purchase at 16 stops to complete your passport, redeem for a limitededition prize and enter a drawing for a $250 gift package. Perfect for unique holiday gifting!

330-374-7560 | visitakron-summit.org/ things-to-do/shopping/treasure-trail/

Minglewood

Minglewood Distilling Company's Cinnamon Whisky offers a unique blend of bold cinnamon flavors with a perfect balance of heat and spice, all while maintaining a silky-smooth texture. Bottled at 70 proof, it's a versatile spirit that's impressive whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a creative cocktail.

330-601-1600 | minglewooddistilling.com

Bent Ladder

Bent Ladder's Winter Crisp Ice Cider is made by pressing apples during a cold snap, allowing the juice to freeze naturally, and then fermenting the super-saturated sugar solution for six weeks. The cider is aged on lightly toasted American oak, resulting in a full-bodied drink with intense aromas of strawberry and baked apple, and a palate featuring sharp ripe apple, apricot, and honey flavors.

330-485-1089 | bentladder.com

Holiday Gift Guide

The Christmas Shoppe

The Christmas Shoppe and Fort Holiday Market are your destination for holiday shopping in Steubenville, located at Fort Steuben Park. Shop for a wide selection of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and stocking stuffers for every member of your family. See our regional book selections and Fort 2025 commemorative Nutcracker. 740-283-1787 | visitsteubenville.com/historicfort-steuben-christmas-more-gift-shoppe/

Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa

Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with a Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa gift card. Redeemable at any Gervasi destination—including award-winning restaurants, luxurious suites, The Spa, The Cave, and more—it’s the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. Share the beauty, flavor, and charm of Gervasi with family, friends, or colleagues.

330-497-1000 | gervasivineyard.com

The Still House at Gervasi Vineyard

Gervasi Vineyard’s Winter White Whiskey is a smooth, seasonal spirit crafted with Ohio grains and finished with a crisp, clean character. Its notes of Cinnamon, All Spice, Nutmeg, and more make it perfect for sipping neat or mixing into festive cocktails, capturing the essence of winter in every pour.

330-497-1000 | gervasivineyard.com

The Polar Express at the Dennison Depot

Give the gift of magic this Christmas season! The Dennison Depot hosts the ONLY licensed Polar Express Train Ride in Ohio. Passengers will experience a magical adventure to The North Pole with a visit from Santa Claus. Be sure to complete your visit to our Gift Shop to pick up a special holiday gift!

740-922-6776 | dennisondepot.org

Mr. Darby’s

Vintage & Antiques

Step into the holiday spirit at Mr. Darby’s Vintage & Antiques in Boardman, Ohio. With more than 100 vendors, it’s a winter wonderland of vintage Christmas décor, festive treasures, and nostalgic gifts. Discover ornaments, collectibles, and unique finds that make perfect gifts or add a touch of charm to your own home.

330-953-3226 | shopcoolvintage.com

BKO Distillery

Made by hand in our facility from start to finish, BKO Distillery’s only goal is to produce high quality spirits. If you are in the area, feel free to stop by our tasting room and try a sample for yourself and take a tour of our distillery in Medina, Ohio.

330-451-6650 | bkoinc.com

Dutchman Hospitality

Take the guesswork out of holiday shopping! Dutchman Hospitality gift cards are redeemable at over 20 locations in Ohio, Indiana, and Florida, including restaurants, bakeries, inns, shops, and a theater. They come in all sizes, fit into every budget, and make great presents or stocking stuffers.

330-893-2926 | dhgroup.com

Alley Cats Market Place and Fresh the Market

We have over 120 artisans presenting a curated collection of unique finds, including handmade crafts, stylish fashion accessories, and original, local art. Stop in to find thoughtful, high-quality, and unforgettable presents this season. Located in downtown New Philadelphia, Open Tuesday through Saturdays.

330-340-6730 | alleycatsmarketplace.com

Holiday To-Do List

Gather with family and friends for hearty, made-from-scratch meals that feel just like home. From our famous fried chicken and fresh-baked pies to festive holiday desserts, every bite is prepared with care and tradition. Don’t forget to take home seasonal favorites from our bakery!

Check off your Christmas List in over 25,000 sq. ft. of Shops

Find something special for everyone on your list as you explore our collection of boutique brands, home décor, fashion, toys, gifts, and more! From cozy winter styles to handcrafted treasures, The Shops at Hartville Kitchen make holiday shopping a joyful experience.

Step into the magic of the season with a stroll through our dazzling light display. Enjoy twinkling lights, festive décor, and photo-worthy moments that capture the wonder of Christmas. It’s the perfect way to end your visit and create memories! Visit HartvilleWonderfest.com for more info.

CHARITY BOTTLE in a

Celebrate the spirit of

ome American distilleries are finding creative ways to pour back into their communities. Whether through coveted bourbon sets or grassroots partnerships, these producers are raising funds and spirits well beyond

Buffalo Trace Distillery, in Frankfort, Kentucky, has long donated special bottles to nonprofits for fundraisers, and in 2024 launched the “100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities” initiative. Each year, the distillery invites organizations nationwide to apply for one of 100 curated sets, ranging from two to six bottles. Nonprofits have used rare lineups such as Weller Special Reserve through Full Proof, E.H. Taylor’s Single Barrel and Barrel Proof, and Blanton’s Gold and Straight from the Barrel to raise thousands of dollars at fundraisers. Applications open for 100 days, and selected charities keep every dollar they raise.

Over the past two years, Buffalo Trace’s parent company, Sazerac, has donated more than $10.4 million to community causes, from cancer care to animal welfare.

In Pittsburgh, Wigle Whiskey has woven philanthropy into its identity, supporting more than 300 civic and nonprofit organizations. The distillery has backed causes as varied as the American Cancer Society, Girls Rock!, the Carnegie Library and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Wigle frames its mission not only as crafting award-winning spirits but as being, in its words, “an economically vital and compassionate part of our community.”

Pictured: Wigle Whiskey is all about fun and supporting others. INSet: Weller is popular with nonprofit fundraisers.

BY DOUG MOTZ

hen you mention the Kahiki to folks in Ohio, images of Columbus’ once grand fivestory Polynesian palace are immediately conjured up. From its opening in 1961 as one of the largest tiki-themed restaurants in the U.S, the Kahiki was where promgoers, families and the rich and famous went to dine and celebrate until its closure in 2000.

Before you even walked into the Kahiki, it made a big impression. The front door was flanked by two towering Moai sculptures with flames shooting out of the top. Once an iconic symbol of the Aloha spirit in Central Ohio, one of the two famed Kahiki Moai has now been restored and greets patrons outside Huli Huli Tiki Lounge in Powell.

The two Moai were originally sculpted by Columbus artist and stonemason Philip E. Kientz and designed to be replicas of the Easter Island Moai carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1250 and 1500. They are believed to be the living faces of their deified ancestors, and many archaeologists feel the Moai were not only symbols of power but were actual repositories of sacred spirit.

Here’s a sneak peek from the upcoming book Kahiki: Behind the Bar. This is the actual recipe for the Headhunter crafted by the Kahiki’s original bartender Sandro Conti. It was served in this tiki mug, shaped like the Moai and made in Columbus by Hoffman Pottery.

FIRED UP(Again) W Headhunter

Huli Huli acquired the Kahiki Moai from John “Tiki Skip” Holt in 2023, and in April 2024 conducted a fundraiser that generated $13,000 — enough to make the restoration a reality.

Huli Huli’s contractor, designer Rick Huffman, worked painstakingly over the course of a year to make certain every detail was meticulously rebuilt to be as close a match as possible to the original. The Moai was rebuilt from the original rebar so it could proudly stand once more as guardian of Central Ohio’s tiki legacy.

“I know the importance of maintaining the legacy of this iconic piece of Columbus history,” says Rick Ryan, Huli Huli manager and project lead on the restoration. “We felt that our customers and the patrons of the Kahiki would need to be involved, and we have done that throughout the restoration.”

As for me, having this piece of the Kahiki return to prominence makes my inner 7-year-old jump for joy in remembrance of my mom taking me to the Kahiki with my Reynoldsburg cub scout troop back in 1972. I had never seen anything so fantastic and magical in the Columbus of my childhood.

3 oz. Orange juice

3 oz. Pineapple juice

1½ oz. Guanabana juice

½ oz. Rock candy syrup

1 oz. Orange Curaçao

1 oz. Barbancourt

2 oz. Bacardi 4

Blend and pour unstrained into a glass. Add 1 scoop of cracked ice to fill.

Decorate with a fruit stick and mint. Makes 12 oz., enough for three to four drinks.

Doug Motz is co-author of Kahiki Supper Club: A Polynesian Palace in Columbus, as well as the Kahiki Scrapbook: Relic’s of Ohio’s Lost Tiki Palace. He and his husband Todd Popp are working on a third book tentatively titled, Kahiki: Behind the Bar, which will showcase more than 200 recipes from Sandro Conti’s Kahiki notebooks that were saved by his son Franco.

Crafty Crafty

DISTILLERS

Escape to Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa in Canton. Sip craft drinks in the elegant Still House, relax with spa treatments or spend the night in their plush Tuscaninspired accommodations. Cocktail classes, distillery tours and tastings complete your getaway trip.

Raise a glass to these Ohio craft distilleries, where they serve up fun with live music and unique experiences. It’s the perfect gift of togetherness.

BY ASHLEY BLAES

From trivia games and craft nights to frequent food trucks and live music, there’s always something happening at Name Brandt Distilling in Middletown. Their spacious tasting room is an ideal spot for gatherings, and you can even design your own custom spirit — a unique holiday gift.

Every night is a party at Western Reserve Distillers in Lakewood with Tequila & Trivia Tuesday, Whiskey, Wine & Wings Wednesday, Friday happy hour and more! Learn mixology in their cocktail masterclasses or take a Couples & Tequila or Couples & Bourbon class.

Shake things up at Dayton Barrel Works’ signature Booze & Boards classes, pairing cocktails with charcuterie. Join fun seasonal events, sip a drink in their cocktail bar or rent the space for your next celebration.

Dive into distilling at Echo Spirits Distilling Co. in Columbus with guided tours, bourbon bottling and cocktail classes. Their lively bar hosts trivia, ramen pop-ups and frequent food trucks, making it the perfect hangout spot.

Creativity flows at Whitehouse’s Adventure Spirits Distilling with mixology lessons, Tipsy Terrarium classes, painting events and custom whiskey blending. Add barrel tastings, live music and walls covered with artwork by local artist Teri Lee, and you’ve got an awardwinning spot full of charm.

Athens’ West End Ciderhouse and Distillery pairs creative craft cocktails with a welcoming vibe — ideal for an evening out on the town with friends. Visit the Ciderhouse to enjoy live music or play your own instrument at their open mic nights.

TOP: Stay the night at Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa. Inset: Sip on spirits and cider at West End Ciderhouse and Distillery. Above: Sample the rum and whiskey at Echo Spirits Distilling Co.

WIN A DREAMY WINTER ESCAPE TO GERVASI VINEYARD

Enjoy cozy accommodations, award-winning wine, gourmet dining, spa indulgence and Tuscan-inspired charm at

serene resort in northeast Ohio. It’s the ultimate seasonal recharge, turning midwinter blues into warm memories you’ll savor

Destination Hilliard

Destination MansfieldRichland County

Destination Toledo

Dutchman Hospitality Group

Experience Columbus

Explore Scioto County Visitors Bureau

Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau

Fig & Oak 32. Fin Feather Fur Outfitters

Gallia County Convention & Visitors Bureau 34. Genesee & Wyoming

Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa

Goldberry Roasting Company

Grandpa’s Cheese Barn

Great Ohio Lodges

Greater Grand Lakes Visitor Region

Green Area Chamber of Commerce

Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau 50. Lehman’s

Logan County Visitors Bureau

Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau 53. MAPS Air Museum

Marietta Convention & Visitors Bureau 55. Masterminds Escape Room 56. Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau

57. Menches Bros Restaurant

58. Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau 59. Nauti Vine Winery

Ohio Fire

Ohio Grape Industries

Ohio History Connection

Paragraphs Bookstore

Riffe Gallery

Ross Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau 66. Shores & Islands Ohio

Simonson Construction Services, Inc.

68. StayinAkron.com

69. Steubenville Visitor Center

70. Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau

71. The Alcove

72. The Ashland Kroc Center

73. The Ashland Theatre

74. The City of Ashland

75. The South Street Grille

76. Tin Can Chandelier

77. Toth Buick

78. Travel Butler County, OH

79. Trumbull County Tourism Bureau

80. Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau

81. UH Samaritan Medical Center

82. Visit Athens County Convention & Visitors Bureau

83. Visit Canton

84. Visit Cincy

85. Visit Dublin Ohio

86. Visit Findlay

87. Visit Grove City

88. Visit Westerville

89. Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau

90. Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce

91. Zanesville/Muskingum County Convention and Visitors Bureau

MountVernon

r e e n

Each fall we celebrate communities that exemplify what makes life here great. This year, we honor Ashland, Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon and Yellow Springs.

YELLOW SPRINGS

If it’s happening, it’s happening downtown!

Ashland Winter Events

HOLIDAY SHOP HOP

November 21st, 22nd, 28th, and 29th

Christmas Parade, Fireworks, and Tree Lighting

December 6th

photo credit elliot gilfix

Ashland

This college town in Ashland County offers an inviting downtown, events that build a sense of community and deep ties between campus and city.

By Gracie Metz

Old Abe gazes out over the brick-lined sidewalks as backpack-clad students pass by the 20-foot-tall eagle that has stood on campus since 1965. Twenty-eight smaller eagle statues are scattered across Ashland University, each 4 feet tall and named for campus donors, former university presidents and other notables. We periodically pass by one as our student tour guide shows us around during the first week of classes.

Thanks to the presence of the university, the city of Ashland becomes home to around 1,700 undergraduate students as summer turns to fall. With campus just a half mile from the center of town, students become part of the city. They head downtown to shop and dine, and they volunteer with local organizations. Ashland residents, in turn, are often seen sporting the purple and gold colors of the university and taking part in campus events.

“Ashland University has a little more than 65,000 alumni and about 2,500 live here in Ashland,” says Jon Parrish Peede, who became president of Ashland University in 2024. “That makes a real difference. So, when I say that the community is really involved in campus and campus activities,

it’s because they’re alums, so many of them.”

The university dates to 1878, opening five-and-a-half decades after the city orig-

From Concept to Completion

Ashland: Ohio’s Best Hometown

Old Abe sits perched outside the Ashland University rec center. The 20-foot-tall eagle statue has been part of campus since 1965.

RACHAEL JIROUSEK

Discover our new whiskey & cocktail bar, The Third Place!

Craft Brewery & Full Service Restaurant served in a historic building in the heart of Downtown Ashland. 20 taps | Full Bar | Hand Crafted Seasonal Menu

o Ashland Ohi

SOMETHING IS ALWAYS HAPPENING HERE!

Ashland Bike Company Ashland Bike Company and Fin’s Performance and Family Footwear feature great collections of bikes, e-bikes and footwear for the entire family. Stop by for a free demo ride and why you’re here check out our footwear and sports accessories. We have something for everyone! ashlandbikecompany.com

The Ashland Theatre entertains Ashland and neighboring counties with first run and classic movies, live shows and events. theashland.org

South Street Grille

Elevated casual dining in downtown Ashland, Ohio. Steaks, seafood, hand pattied burgers, vegetarian options, salads, huge kids menu. Something for everyone in a completely renovated historic building. thesouthstreetgrille.com

More than escape rooms— Masterminds features a huge board game library, café, retro pinball, and unforgettable adventures for friends, families, and funseekers. ashlandmasterminds.com

Fig & Oak is a kind and quirky gift shop in Ashland, Ohio focused on giving back a portion of every purchase is donated to charity, so you know you’re shopping with purpose! figandoakshop.com

Adventure is out there, let us help you find it at Fin Feather Fur Outfitters! Our six Ohio locations and e-commerce site bring you the latest in hunting, fishing, hiking, apparel, footwear, and camping equipment for your outdoor fun. finfeatherfur.com

Ashland Bike Company

The Ashland Theatre

South Street Grille Masterminds

Fig & Oak

Fin Feather Fur Outfitters

At Goldberry Roasting Company, we have the unique opportunity to be a part of coffee’s journey from the seed to the cup. Through our relationship with farmers in the Sierra Norte region of Mexico, we have had our hand in helping improve existing coffee crop and cultivate new, improved ways of processing coffee beans. goldberryroasting.com

Bella’s 220 is a quaint Ashland spot dedicated to making every delicious meal from scratch. Serving fresh, homemade dishes, everything is served with love. Visit us in downtown Ashland today! bellas220.com

Ohio Fire blends tradition and flavor with unique brick oven pizzas, toasted subs, numerous salads and 15 Ohio craft beer selections on tap. facebook.com/ohiofire

The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center is a hub of activity, including an indoor waterpark, fitness and recreation activities, arts programming, spiritual and social services. ashlandkroc.org

Ashley’s Candy & Nut Shoppe has been providing Ashland with hand-dipped chocolates and fresh roasted nuts since 1934. A recent move and remodel added a new ice cream parlor and soda fountain. ashleyscandyandnutshoppe.com

The Tin Can Chandelier is a familyfriendly art studio where you can paint pottery, try the wheel, and enjoy creative hands-on activities together. tincanartstudio.com

Goldberry Roasting Company

Bella’s 220

Ohio Fire

The Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center

Ashley’s Candy and Nut Shoppe

Tin Can Chandelier

inally founded in 1815 as Uniontown changed its name to Ashland. (The switch was made in 1822 when the need for a post office arose and there was already a Uniontown, Ohio.) Home to around 25,000 residents today, Ashland spans 11.25 square miles just off Interstate 71. (Yes, the Grandpa’s Cheesebarn exit.) When Ashland County was established in 1846, a vote to determine the county seat saw Ashland edge out Hayesville by 600 votes.

“That meant that Ashland was able to develop and be that real center of the county, where we started to build courthouses and our city offices,” says Sara Fisher, executive director of the Ashland County Historical Society. “We saw later in the 19th century, the expansion, thanks to the industrial revolution, with innovators and entrepreneurs.”

Those businessmen included F.E. Myers, whose F.E. Myers and Bro. Co. made pumps. Another notable company, Hess & Clark,

Ashland

made medical salves. Like many cities, Ashland was a factory town and still holds remnants of its long-departed companies.

Mayor Matt Miller, who was elected to his second term in 2021, is working to connect past and present with the upcoming Pump House District project, which will stand on the site of the former F.E. Myers & Bro. Co. property.

“The Pump House District, I believe, will become one of the hippest and most

Downtown Ashland is home to shops like Cartolina on Main (left) and Madame Bagnabit (above).

vibrant living areas in our community,” says Miller, an Ashland University graduate who grew up in the area. “It will have around 125 modern, market-rate — with an industrial theme because that’s where it was built  apartments, … and they’re all a block from downtown Main Street.”

These apartments, set to be completed by fall 2026, will make way for hundreds more people to live within walking distance of downtown. There’s also a plan to build a new Hilton hotel within the Pump House District. Located in the former F.E. Meyers & Bro. Co. office building, the site will be renovated and an addition will be built on to accommodate extra guest rooms.

These projects promise to bring even more vitality to a downtown already infused

Mural on the side of downtown Ashland’s Ohio Fire restaurant (above); Whitmore Motors displays vintage vehicles (below).

with energy. A large turret draws attention to the building on the corner of Main and Church streets, a former bookstore that has retained a comforting atmosphere.

Beyond the wooden front door, twinkling lights hang from the ceiling, exposed bricks line the walls, and the curated selection has shoppers immediately selecting gifts for their loved ones. Fig & Oak opened in 2018 and moved to this corner a year

later, offering a lineup of goods that are either made by small businesses or support a cause. Fig & Oak shoppers can feel good about their purchases because they get to place a token in one of three charity boxes next to the counter at the checkout. Causes range from cancer research to cat sanctuaries to Parkinson’s Disease research, a cause close to owner Julie Mitchell’s heart.

“My dad has Parkinson’s, which was kind of the driving force behind us wanting to give back with every purchase here,” Mitchell says of her business. “… I think we all have a drive in us to do something, and even if it’s small, it adds up to make a big difference.”

Heading east from Fig & Oak, visitors find Uniontown Brewing Co. along Main Street. Housed in a pre-Civil War building, the spot pays homage to the city’s history. The illuminated marquee of the Ashland Theatre sits just around the corner on Center Street. Opened in 1942 as Schine’s Ashland Theatre, the venue showed movies until it closed in 2009. When it reopened in 2023, it began hosting live music and theater events along with showing movies.

While small business provides a beat-

Fig & Oak offers a curated selection of gifts and other fun items to explore (below). The Ashland Theatre reopened in 2023, showing new movies and hosting live music (right).

RACHAEL JIROUSEK

ing heart for downtown, larger employers include Charles River Laboratories, which is the largest at around 900 workers and is located just off Interstate 71 along U.S. 250. Ashland University employs 725 people, and University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center with its 700 workers is also among the community’s largest employers.

The city government and Ashland City School District are big employers as well. The school district serves 2,870 students from kindergarten through 12th grade across three elementary schools, one middle school and Ashland High School. It also has 120 preschool students.

German company Novatex, a world leader in producing baby-bottle nipples, has a factory in the city’s industrial park, which is also home to a production facility for Barbasol and Pure Silk shaving creams. Construction was completed for an 80,000-square-foot Amazon distribution center at the industrial park this summer.

Because of all of this, Ashland has become attractive to new residents, and city leaders have been working to address the demand for housing. If all goes to plan, an additional 1,300 housing units will be built

over the course of the next three years.

“Our biggest challenge is getting homes built and apartments built and condos built fast enough to meet the needs and desires of those who have discovered what a wonderful place the city of Ashland really is,” Miller says. You may have seen the sign along In-

Grandpa’s Cheesebarn just off Interstate 71 in Ashland (above); breakfast sandwich from Downtown Perk (right)

terstate 71 proclaiming “Discover Ashland — World Headquarters of Nice People.” It sounds corny, but those who make even a short visit see that the sign is more than just a slogan. (A local realtor and developer placed it over 30 years ago.)

At Brookside Park, the summer air is

filled with the clank of aluminum baseball bats as locals chat with one another while waiting in line for a cone from Yoder’s Red Barn Ice Cream.

Freer Field, located next to Ashland University’s campus, is another site for outdoor recreation and community gatherings

throughout the year. Each June, people fill the green at Freer Field to watch hot air balloons take to the sky during the annual Ashland BalloonFest.

In late 2024, Freer Field was also the site of an event that won Ashland recognition from Guinness World Records. The Candy Cane Trail — an illuminated Christmas display along the park’s paved walking path — began in 2023. When opening night arrived for the second year, the event was set to claim the title of the world’s largest display of illuminated metal sculptures, thanks to the 776 glowing metal trees that are part of the attraction.

On Dec. 1, 2024, more than 1,000 bundled-up locals gathered at Freer Field to witness the record-breaking attempt as snowflakes blew on the breeze. The crowd erupted in cheers as an official with Guinness World Records confirmed the city’s record-breaking feat. Now, Miller says community members are looking for the next record the city can achieve.

“With all of the exciting changes and improvements that are happening in our city right now, setting the world record for the largest display of illuminated metal structures in the world was truly the cherry on top,” Miller says. “Not only is it a great source of pride among those who call Ashland home, [but] it also has attracted the attention of a national audience.”

Brookside Park offers a place for outdoor recreation (above left). It is also home to Yoder’s Red Barn Ice Cream (above); Hot air balloons gather for the annual Ashland BalloonFest at Freer Field (bottom left).

Barnesville

This Belmont County village’s historic architecture and annual pumpkin festival showcase the rich traditions the community is building on for a new generation.

By Jim Vickers

Within one picture frame, smiling festival organizers in orange sport coats stand in a neat row as the 434-pound King Pumpkin peeks up from behind them. The buildings of Main Street hug the corners of the photograph, and the year, 1984, is scrawled in permanent marker at the top of a sky that has faded to white from whatever blue was once present in it.

The wood-paneled walls are lined with memories that march through the decades. Fashion and hairstyles evolve from one photograph to the next, but the long tradition each celebrates remains the same. If you know just one thing about Barnesville, it’s probably that the Belmont County village hosts a pumpkin festival each September that doubles as a homecoming for those who grew up here.

The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival headquarters downtown stands as a humble tribute to the countless hours volunteers have spent over the decades keeping that tradition alive. Standing out among the framed photos, the front page of the Barnesville Enterprise from 1964 trumpets, “More Than 3,000 Persons Visit First Fall Fair.”

These days, although the village has around 3,900 residents, it’s not uncommon for 100,000 people to attend the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival during its four-day run. The annual pumpkin weigh-off held the Wednesday before the festival starts is even livestreamed for the benefit of those who can’t experience it in person.

Covering just under 2 square miles, Barnesville may be small, but it holds a large role in Belmont County history. The village’s prominence can be seen in its Main Street architecture, most notably the Bradfield Building that sits at the corner of East Main and North Chestnut streets and is regarded as the best example of Richardsonian Ro-

manesque architecture in Ohio. Local historian Bruce Yarnall likes to point out faces and other details carved into the building’s ornate stone exterior when he gives tours to school groups and other visitors.

A former general manager for the now-defunct Barnesville Enterprise, Yarnall worked in historic preservation in Washington, D.C. for 25 years before returning home in 2024. (He also launched the online Barnesville Area News Co. nonprofit in 2024.)

“I don’t come at it as an architect. I come at it from a sense of history,” says Yarnall,

who grew up in nearby Somerton but began studying the village’s history at age 13.

“It’s important to me to experience these buildings because these are the buildings my parents, my grandparents and my great grandparents and others walked through. ... There’s that connection — that timeline — back to previous generations.”

Barnesville’s downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, with architectural finds there including the Bradfield Building and the pagoda-like First Presbyterian Church. Cheffy Drugs on Main Street has served customers for a century, while other businesses like the Barnesville Antique Mall and Beeology Coffee & Bakery are frequented by residents and travelers alike.

But over the past 40 years, Barnesville has also faced the realities that many small towns have, particularly in Appalachia. The village has vacancies downtown and even had to demolish a few of its buildings. (Replacements that fit the look and style of downtown are on the way.) Several years ago, Mayor Jake Hershberger, who owns the local Joe’s Tire, as well as other businesses in the region and beyond, began looking into what the long-term plan and vision was for Barnesville only to find there was not one on paper. Having lived in the community since 2003, he ran for mayor and was elected to office in November 2023.

“I want to see where I can have a positive impact on the community for a sustain-

Find road trip inspiration, learn about giveaways and events, and connect with the beauty, the adventure and the fun of Ohio.

Crowds at the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival and one of the photos on the wall inside the event’s headquarters (opposite page); An entrance to the Bradfield Building (top); mural on side of Cheffy Drugs (above)

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BARNESVILLE ANTIQUE MALL

able future,” Hershberger says. “Some may say its selfish, but it comes out of a heart of serving. I don’t deny the fact that I have businesses and property in town. If Barnesville does better, they do better.”

Barnesville’s long history reaches back to the state of Ohio’s earliest days. In the early 1800s, James Barnes came to Ohio from Maryland and secured the wooded land where Barnesville is today. Like William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania as a refuge for Quakers during the colonial era, Barnes hoped to do the same in Barnesville, platting and dedicating the village’s first 128 lots on Nov. 9, 1808. That Quaker influence can still be seen in Barnesville in the form of the Stillwater Meeting House, which was built in 1878 to house the Ohio Yearly Meeting of Conservative Friends, as well as the adjacent Olney Friends School, an independent day and boarding school.

The village’s history is kept at the Watt Center for History and the Arts, a museum in the former office of the company that patented the first self-oiling mine car wheel. Then there’s the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, which was built for John and Sarah Bradfield in the late 19th century. Restoration work on the former B&O Depot, located near downtown, continues as well, with the goal of making the historic structure a community gathering spot.

Much of what made Barnesville what it is today came from beneath the ground. Belmont County is the state’s all-time leader in coal production, with nearly 825 million tons produced between 1816 and 2022, according to Belmont County’s Ohio State University Extension. Today, natural gas production has replaced coal in Belmont

Barnesville’s pagoda-like First Presbyterian Church (left); a display at the Watt Center for History and the Arts (above); Stillwater Meeting House (below)

County, and many areas that were stripped during the region’s coal-mining days have been returned to a natural state. The Dickinson Cattle Co. raises over 1,000 Texas longhorns in the Barnesville countryside.

WVU Medicine’s Barnesville Hospital (190 employees) and the Barnesville Exempted School District (150 employees) are two of the village’s largest employers, and the school district serves 1,311students across its three buildings: an elementary school, middle school and high school. Riesbeck’s grocery store and Ohio Hill Health Center are other large employers in the region.

Jill Hissom, director of the Barnesville Chamber of Commerce, grew up in town, moved away during adulthood and returned after starting a family. When she took over the chamber’s top job in 2017, it had just 100 members. That number is at 289 today.

“People see me, and they will say, ‘eat, shop, support local,’ because I brought that slogan, promoting it more and more and more,” Hissom says. “Even if you don’t go into the new nail place, like and share their [Facebook] page, help them get the word out to other people to come and support them.”

Hershberger says one of Barnesville’s largest obstacles at present is a lack of destination businesses downtown to bring in new

visitors and create the kind of foot traffic that makes quiet small towns vibrant ones. He sees the village and the people who call it home as ready to make that happen.

“It’s the willingness to work together and have success and have those traditions live long,” Hershberger says when asked what he thinks sets the town apart, pointing to the longevity of the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival as one such example. “The goal is to get a group of community-oriented individuals to lead the charge.”

Dickinson Cattle Co. (top); Avenues of Barnesville shop (above); Barnesville’s historic downtown

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Green

This community along Interstate 77 in Summit County has only been a city since 1992, but the area has a long history that’s reflected in its public amenities and businesses.

By Kelly Powell

Evenly divided into nine squares, the quilt hangs near the top of a wall inside Sue Spargo’s shop. In one square, a hedgehog rests underneath a mushroom. In another, bumblebees hover above a rabbit. Yet another depicts an owl perched on a tree branch. Floral embellishments connect the bright-eyed and vibrantly colored animals that stand out individually but make a stronger impression when stitched together.

The owner of Sue Spargo Folk-Art Quilts humbly admires the work she’s created while showing us around her shop on a warm summer day. The native of Zambia and self-taught embroiderer started her business out of her basement in 2002, specializing in highly embellished wool patterns and quilting kits. Next to her critter-themed quilt hang similar works: 36 multicolored birds pack one, while nine tree varieties adorn another.

“I became a single mom of four children. There were three of them still in school, and I had to provide,” Spargo says of her move to Green in 2000. She had always sewed, so the idea of a quilt shop appealed to her. “I said to my dad, ‘I think I could do something like this.’”

Although Spargo’s business would be perfectly at home in a quaint cabin or century home, her shop shares a commercial plaza with a hardware store and sits west of a Giant Eagle Market District. This is part of what makes Green unique: unexpected

finds tucked within a patchwork of communities that had their own histories before being united as a city in the 1990s.

“We’re stronger together, and we mean much more when we work together and create this larger pattern,” says Mayor Rocco

RACHAEL JIROUSEK

Yeargin, who took office in 2024. “That’s what community does. It’s interlocking fibers that basically take care of each other to create this whole.”

Although Pennsylvania Dutch brothers Andrew and John Kepler founded Green Township in 1809, the city was not incorporated until 1992. Prior to that, Green was composed of five individual hamlets with long histories that each carried their own distinct identities.

At the time of its founding in 1809, Green Township sat in what was then considered Stark County. When Summit County was formed in 1840, the township became part of it, much to the dismay of some residents. There were concerns whether the German farmers who held land patents in Stark County’s Congress Lands — rural property owned and sold by the United States government — would mesh with the more refined East Coast settlers of Summit County’s Western Reserve.

The hamlet of Greensburg was founded in 1828 and was largely known as a stagecoach town thanks to tavern owner Abraham Wilhelm. The other hamlets that became what is now Green were formed through-

out the 19th century: East Liberty in 1839, Aultman and Comet in 1870 and Myersville in 1876. Over the years, though, what once operated as unique neighborhoods lost their identities, with much of the area simply being recognized as Green Township. Eventually, township leaders wanted

Quilt sample at Sue Spargo Folk-Art Quilts (opposite page); Boettler Park (above); Artist Bob Yost’s “A Change of Art” mosaic in the Central Park Community Hall (right)

Christmas at Central Park, City of Green

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Green to become a city, which would allow them to form their own charter and establish their own rules. To be considered, the state of Ohio required the township to first create a 3-square-mile village in its center. It did so around the hamlet of Greensburg and formally established the area as Green Village in 1991. After door-to-door campaigning organized by a dedicated group of citizens, locals voted in favor of the village becoming a city in 1992.

Today, Green covers 33.5 square miles and has 27,475 residents, with most of the city’s housing located near Interstate 77’s Massillon and Arlington Road exits. The Akron-Canton Airport; Surgere, a software company with 53 employees; Direction Home, an aging and disability nonprofit with 261 employees; and RTX Collins/ Aerospace, an aviation and defense technology company with 1,100 employees across its Green and Troy, Ohio, locations, are among the city’s key employers. As is Green Local Schools, which serves 4,200 students across a primary, elementary, middle and high school.

Although some may be prone to write the city of Green off as merely a bedroom community for those who work in Canton or Akron, visitors who spend a day exploring uncover spots rich with character.

The MAPS Air Museum pays tribute to those who served our country with its historic aircraft and exhibits honoring military men and women throughout U.S. history.

A former one-room schoolhouse on South Arlington Road now houses The Industry Kitchen + Bar, a chef-driven gastropub. Co-owner-operator Ben Myers and his

RACHAEL JIROUSEK

team transformed the building that served as a school from 1890 to 1927 over 18 months, preserving elements like the original trim, and building the host stand from former basement beams. The restaurant’s menu is upscale, from small plates of crispy onigiri and deviled eggs to entrees like lobster gnocchi and pork loin.

“I bounced around a couple places all up and down the East Coast, rehabbing their restaurants, and I just wanted to do a culmination of that. That’s why I call it The Industry,” Myers says. “I’ve tried the best of the service industry, so no freezers, no microwaves; we come in at seven in the morning and scratch-make everything.”

Husband-and-wife duo Rachel Bellis and Justin Turner co-founded Southgate Farm, located next to Southgate Park along Massillon Road. Situated on the site of the historic Levi J. Hartong Farmstead, which was established in 1883, the diversified sustainable farm offers a Community Supported Agriculture program and a self-serve farm shop.

Southgate Park and Farm are adjacent to the 82-acre Boettler Park, which is home to the Lichtenwalter Historic Schoolhouse,

Splash pad at Central Park (opposite page);

schoolhouse at Boettler Park (above); farm goods at Southgate Farm’s market (right)

a renovated one-room structure originally constructed in the late 19th century. It is maintained by and houses the Green Historical Society in its basement. The Willadale Trail, a nearly 1-mile loop with a boardwalk that meanders through scenic

wetlands along the south end of the park, opened in 2025.

About 2 miles north of Boettler Park, at the intersection of Greensburg and Thursby roads, Kleckner Park prioritizes features that serve those with special needs. Its allturf, adaptive sports field is ADA compliant and was created in collaboration with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation in June 2025.

Central Park sits west of the city’s Steese and Massillon roads roundabout and serves as a community gathering space, hosting events like the city-sponsored Halloween trick-or-treat trail. Akron artist Bob Yost created the “A Change of Art” mosaic in the park’s Community Hall. Some tiles in the work were made by locals, including children, by pressing pinecones and sticks to make patterns in wet clay. Yost crafted other tiles, incorporating uplifting statements from residents like “You have value” and “I had a feeling that I belonged” on them. To Yeargin, much like Sue Spargo’s quilts, that patchwork mimics the evolution of the community, which adds up to something more than its individual components.

“There’s every color, every pattern represented,” he says. “It makes this whole that, when you stand back and look at it, is this beautiful thing where everybody is taken care of.”

Danish at Confessional Coffee and Pastry (above left); cocktails at The Industry Kitchen + Bar (above); MAPS Air Museum (below); crispy shrimp at The Twisted Olive (left)

RACHAEL JIROUSEK

Mount Vernon

This Knox County city works to create a vibrant community that stands at the crossroads of history, education and the arts.

By Gracie Metz

The red door with a number seven hanging on it sits just below street level and shows up like a discovered secret. In a lot of ways, it is. Located steps away from Mount Vernon’s historic Public Square, Old Mr. Bailiwick’s feels like a trip into a world far from our own.

After crossing the threshold, descending a few stairs and walking down a short hallway, visitors find shopkeeper Josh Kuhn and wooden shelves filled with large glass jars. Kuhn opened his old-time apothecary in August 2019, making medicine and topical solutions from herbs and other organic ingredients to help with a range of issues, from difficulty sleeping to stress. But the shop also stocks gifts like wax-seal stamps and teas that are all artfully presented against a backdrop that looks to be out of the world of Harry Potter.

“A lot of times we get stuck in the idea of tangible goods — buying and selling — and we forget about the experience,” says Kuhn, a planetary herbalist, “this idea that we can create a place that sort of emits this warmth and whimsy.”

Stepping out of the shop back into the summer sun, we walk over to the Mount

Grand Hotel just around the corner. Hotel Curtis opened on the site in 1876, and the new hotel, completed in February 2016, was modeled after it. The Grand Hotel offers travelers a place to stay within walking distance of downtown businesses

like Kuhn’s shop, as well as the wonderfully curated Paragraph’s Bookstore and the welcoming record bins at Fat Dog Vinyl. Just down Main Street from the square, visitors encounter one of the most popular downtown attractions: the South Main Plaza Dog

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Vernon

Fountain. The Instagram-friendly spot is known for its 18 water-spouting dog statues and has become a favorite local landmark.

These attractions are just the latest chapter in Mount Vernon’s long and rich history, which is incorporated in a variety of ways throughout town. Joseph Walker, Thomas B. Patterson and Benjamin Butler founded the city in 1805 and named it after President George Washington’s Virginia estate because the area reminded them of it.

Located about 50 miles northeast of Columbus, the Knox County seat is surrounded by smaller communities like Fredericktown, Utica and Gambier. The latter is home to Kenyon College, which has its film school located in downtown Mount Vernon.

Since 2020, the 9.7-square-mile city has grown from 16,700 to 17,600 residents. That

growth has required a need for additional homes, and city leaders are working with economic development partners to make it happen, including through the creation of 1,200 housing units. These consist of single and multifamily homes, townhouses and condos, 200 of which have been built and are in use. The rest are set to be completed over the next three to five years.

“When I first took office in 2020, our net new homes for three years was negative one,” says Matthew Starr, now in his second term as mayor. “We were tearing down more homes than we were building. So, what became obvious to us is that housing was an economic development issue that we needed to address right away.”

Starr’s office is also focusing on infrastructure projects that will make for a qui-

eter and safer downtown. With major roads running through the city, traffic can become heavy. A proposed state Route 13 corridor is set to break ground in June 2026 and will reroute semi-truck traffic around downtown, reducing the number of trucks by 50 percent.

“We want to make it more walkable, [and] we want more bicyclists,” Starr adds. “Plus, it will reduce the number of traffic lights by five.”

Revitalization efforts have already set the stage for the downtown Starr envisions, the most notable being the 2019 reopening of the previously vacant Woodward Opera House. Ebeneezer Woodward, a Kenyon College alumnus and businessman, opened the venue in 1851. The railroad brought traveling actors and musicians to town, as well as speakers, including then-Gov. William McKinley in 1890. When movies became popular in the 1920s, live performances waned, but the opera house continued hosting shows into the 1970s. A local group spearheaded restoration efforts in the late 1990s, kicking off the start of a more than 20-year effort to revive the oldest authentic opera house in North America.

The Mount Vernon Arts Consortium handles bookings at the Schnormeier Event Center at Ariel-Foundation Park and Knox Memorial Theater. It also books some of the acts at the Woodward Opera House.

“When I come out to introduce a show or do something on the stage and I look out at a full theater of people, it always takes my breath away,” says Dena Hess, managing director of the Woodward Opera House. “It’s just awe inspiring to sit back and think, ‘We thought we would never see this day.’ And here we are.”

Old Mr. Bailiwick’s Josh Kuhn (opposite page); South Main Plaza Dog Fountain (above); Paragraphs Bookstore in downtown Mount Vernon (right); a view down South Main Street toward Public Square (below)

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Much as it did during the venue’s heyday, the Woodward Opera House also houses businesses, including Bickerdyke Table & Tap. The restaurant’s dining room hosts lunch and dinner patrons, while a taproom at the rear of the building offers a perfect place to stop in for a pre- or post-show cocktail or beer and has a full food menu. The taproom wall features a depiction of Mother Bickerdyke, a Mount Vernon woman who aided in medical-supply delivery and care during the Civil War. The colorful mural portrays her on horseback with the Ohio flag waving behind her as she delivers not just medical supplies but a barrel of beer too.

Along with the arts, education has a significant presence in Mount Vernon. Beside Kenyon College’s downtown locations, the Knox County branch of Central Ohio Technical College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University are both located in the city. Mount Vernon City Schools serves 3,500

students in kindergarten through 12th grade across six elementary schools, a middle and high school, and a digital academy attended by grades 8 through 12.

The city’s largest employers include the Knox Community Hospital, which has 1,400 workers, and natural-gas compressor manufacturer Ariel Corp., which does not release its employment numbers. Another business that looms large in Mount Vernon is one that hasn’t operated here since 1976.

Mount Vernon’s Pittsburgh Plate Glass Works, No. 11 opened south of downtown in 1907, and the factory employed generations of locals over its more than seven-decade run. Today, the Urton Clock House, where workers once punched their timecards, houses a small museum dedicated to that history. It makes for a fitting first stop before exploring the surrounding 250 acres of city-owned public recreation space known today as Ariel-Foundation Park.

The Rastin Observation Tower at ArielFoundation Park (above); a display of historic artifacts at the Knox County Historical Society (left)

When the factory closed, buildings were left empty for years. Parts of the property were used by small operations, but none of them lasted. Then, in 2009, the Knox County Foundation, former city mayor Richard K. Mavis and Phil Samuell formed the Foundation Park Conservancy (now the Ariel-Foundation Park Conservancy) to clean up the property, while creating a new vision and shared future for it.

On July 4, 2015, Ariel-Foundation Park opened to the public, offering natural spaces to enjoy, as well as landmarks and site features that reflect the legacy of Pittsburgh Plate Glass. One of the most notable is the Rastin Observation Tower, a smokestack now encircled by a spiral staircase that invites visitors to climb up 140 feet to take in views of the park.

“From natural green space … to architectural interest and beauty, … it’s just such a unique opportunity right off your main downtown artery,” says Jen Odenweller, executive director of the Ariel Foundation, a local private foundation that helped bring the park to fruition. “It becomes part of daily life that adds quality to our days here in Mount Vernon.”

Almost Famous Sweets and Soda (top); Fat Dog Vinyl (above); auditorium at the Woodward Opera House (below)

Yellow Springs

This village in Greene County has long promoted creativity and inclusivity, resulting in a place where the arts and acceptance are part of the fabric of the community.

By Erin Finan

The ancient Roman coin hangs from a chain adorned with small beads. It has made a trip across hundreds of years and thousands of miles to end up here, displayed alongside a variety of coins from other cultures and countries that have been turned into necklaces, rings, bracelets and jacket pins.

The coins range from the out-of-circulation Franc and Drachma to still-relevant currencies such as the Yen and Nepalese Rupee. It seems like there might be hundreds of such creations at Yellow Springs’ Singapore Seahorse Coin Jewelry, but thousands is more like it.

“I’ve always been very fascinated with the world and different people in the world,” says Nicole Mikel-Swani, a lifelong artist who has been transforming coins into jewelry for 11 years and has been collecting them even longer. “The coins, to me, are these little pieces of art and history, and they represent all of these different people and places all over the world. I just feel like all of us have these connections to these other places.”

While the pieces are simple in design, they speak volumes to those who enter MikelSwani’s shop along Corry Street in downtown Yellow Springs. Although she didn’t grow up in town, Mikel-Swani has found the creativity, connection and community for which the 2.75-square-mile village located about 20 miles east of Dayton is well known. She grew up in nearby Tipp City and recalls visiting the village soon after she was able to drive. Mikel-Swani moved to Yellow Springs

in 2016, first renting an outdoor spot from another vendor in the downtown for four years before she settled into her own shop.

It’s just one of the many arts-focused businesses visitors find in Yellow Springs. Take a stroll and you’ll make other discoveries, like Yellow Springs Pottery, Rose & Sal Vintage Shop, Bonadies Glass Studio, Wildflower Boutique and Asanda Imports. With a population of approximately 3,700 residents, the village oozes creativity from every corner. A storefront isn’t just a storefront. It’s a vibrant and colorful statement. A wall isn’t just a wall. It’s a canvas for one of Yellow Springs’ many public murals. A trashcan isn’t just a trashcan. It’s a

sculpture project by Yellow Springs Pottery, which transformed the village’s receptacles into works of art.

Phillip O’Rourke, executive director of the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, says the village is defined by its open artistic expression, allowing creative people to take ideas and run with them in public spaces.

“There’s permission here to explore creativity,” he says. “There’s permission here to not be confined by the contemporary box. And all of that has that always been part of the culture.”

Perhaps no one embodies this spirit more than hometown legend Dave Chappelle. The renowned comedian attended middle school

Singapore Seahorse Coin Jewelry (top) and Yellow Springs Pottery (right) are among the village’s many shops. Trashcans in downtown Yellow Springs serve as canvases for art (above).

Village of Yellow Springs

in town and returned in 2004 after the success of his career. In 2020, he began hosting comedy shows in nearby cornfields and later purchased the old fire station, transforming it into YS Firehouse, an intimate 140-seat comedy club. This summer, he brought the cornfield shows back again and continues to invest in Yellow Springs with new projects, including a restaurant inside his club called Marco De Ohio, upgrades to the WYSO radio station and a second merchandise shop

Asanda Imports (left and above) is located along Xenia Avenue.

Comedian Dave Chappelle, who lives in Yellow Springs, opened his YS Firehouse comedy club in a former fire station (right). Yellow Springs Brewery serves as a village gathering spot (below).

across the street from YS Firehouse. (The first, The Chappelle Shop, is located on Xenia Avenue.)

“One of the things that I appreciate about [Chappelle’s] presence here is that he’s a community member first,” O’Rourke says.

Prior to Chappelle’s association with the town, Yellow Springs was largely known for being the home of Antioch College. Founded in 1852 by Horace Mann, Antioch College was known for its early advocation of the liberal arts and placing an emphasis on progressive values. Some of the school’s most prestigious alumni include the likes of Coretta Scott King, future wife to Martin Luther King Jr., and Rod Serling, creator of “The Twilight Zone.”

While the school is still in operation, it’s sizably different, with its most recent gradu-

ating class having just 15 people. However, the university continues to be a place of higher learning and carries on its forward-thinking mission, offering personalized degree paths for students to curate their own academic programs.

Historically, the college helped power the village’s education and industry by bringing young minds into the community, and it played a large role in contributing to Yellow Springs’ reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking place.

While the college was once a large contributor to employment in Yellow Springs, today that role is fulfilled by businesses such as Morris Bean, an aluminum manufacturing company that employs over 100 people, and Xylem, which produces products used for measuring water quality and employs 213 people.

The Yellow Springs Exempted School District employs 96 people, and a $67 million project is underway to remodel and reconfigure the district’s elementary, middle and high school buildings, bringing significant upgrades to each facility.

Pam Conine, who worked as an intervention specialist in the Yellow Springs schools and taught at Antioch College and Antioch University Midwest for a combined 42-year career in education, now serves as the village’s mayor, a job she has held since 2018. She even crossed paths with a young Chappelle as one of his teachers at Morgan Middle School. Conine moved to Yellow Springs from Piqua nearly 46 years ago and has never looked back.

“I had friends who lived in Yellow Springs,” she says. “They said, ‘Pam, you’ve got to come check out Yellow Springs.’ And the minute I did, I was sold. This is where I wanted to be. This is where I wanted to live.”

Yellow Springs embodies a self-sustaining community, a unique feat for a village

of its size. The town provides its residents with nearly all municipal services, including electric, water, sewer, and police and building departments. There is also a strong drive within the community to preserve forests and green space. A greenbelt surrounds the village, while the Tecumseh Land Trust — a nonprofit conservation group founded by local citizens in 1990 — protects the surrounding farmland. There is also Glen Helen Nature Preserve, located on the village’s east side along the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

Other investments in the village include the Spring Meadows housing development, a 23-acre subdivision that is providing 90 new homes and an additional 4 acres of green space. The groundbreaking was held in June 2023 and the project is about twothirds complete, with some homes already sold and others up for sale.

Just 2 miles outside the village, you will find Young’s Jersey Dairy, a family-owned-and-operated dairy farm that offers homemade ice cream and other dairy products in addition to entertainment in the form of batting cages, miniature golf, animal visits and a play space for kids.

With creatively charged businesses, dedicated citizens like O’Rourke and Conine, and a history of being forward-thinking and welcoming, Yellow Springs brings a shared sense of belonging to not only its own residents but all who visit.

“People come here to be kind,” O’Rourke says. “They come here to be nice. And that’s the reputation that the community has set, and that’s what people want to come and emulate.”

Hikers at Glen Helen Nature Preserve (top); sign at Ye Olde Trail Tavern (above); goat at Young’s Jersey Dairy (below)

Legendary

CINCINNATI MUSIC HALL

Landmarks

From Cincinnati’s grand Music Hall to the Springfield house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, these buildings and homes trace the history of our state.

By

Maggie Amacher, Jason Brill, Erin Finan and Abby Jenkins

The Arcade

The grandest of Cleveland’s arcades, this building between Euclid and Superior avenues has been the setting for countless weddings and one very famous on-screen kiss.

If Superman and Lois Lane’s midair kiss in James Gunn’s “Superman” seemed a little extra romantic, it might be because the backdrop for the scene, Cleveland’s 1890-built

Arcade, has seen a heroic number of happy smooches.

“It’s one of the prime wedding venues in Cleveland,” says Tom Yablonsky, who

UNION TERMINAL

Cincinnati’s Union Terminal is instantly recognizable, both for its significant role in the Queen City’s history and its art deco architecture that served as inspiration for the Hall of Justice in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon “Super Friends.” When it opened in 1933, Union Terminal served as a hub for five local train stations and is considered one of the last great train stations built in America. Today, it houses the Cincinnati Museum Center cincymuseum. org/union-terminal

helped coordinate the building’s $60 million renovation in 2001 as the then-head of the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corp. “Cleveland was home to four arcades, but this one was the grandest.”

The Arcade is made up of three buildings, with the five-story skylight-topped structure bookended by two nine-story towers (one on Superior Avenue and the other on Euclid Avenue). The 1890s building also embodies a range of styles. The exposed trusses of the iron-and-glass skylight — built by a Detroit-based bridge company — give off industrial vibes. Then there’s the 51 detailed gargoyles that reach out from the base of the skylight, echoing a Gothic Revival style.

“Every one of them has a different expression and a different articulation,” says Jonathan Sandvick, president of Sandvick Architects, who worked on the renovation with Yablonsky. “That’s remarkable artistry.”

Aside from being a popular spot for superhero scenes and photo ops, the Arcade is home to a Hyatt Regency hotel, which was part of the building’s 2001 renovation. For Sandvick, working on the project was a full-circle moment. As a child growing up in the 1950s, he remembers joining his grandmother on holiday shopping trips to the Arcade.

“It was festooned from top to bottom in lights and garlands and details — it was an amazing place,” he recalls. “It was a great joy to ultimately be a large part of bringing it back to glory.”

401 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44115, theclevelandarcade.com

WELTZHEIMER/ JOHNSON HOUSE

Located just a few blocks from the Oberlin College campus, the Weltzheimer/ Johnson House stands as a testament to architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s now-iconic Usonian home design. Completed in 1949, the style is exemplary of the type of home Wright envisioned for middle-class American families. The Weltzheimer/ Johnson House was the first Usonian home built in Ohio and features many Usonian elements, such as its one-story, L-shaped layout, a flat roof and large windows. amam.oberlin. edu/flw-house

The Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned Westcott House in Springfield welcomes visitors following a restoration effort completed in 2005.

In 1906, prominent businessman Burton Westcott commissioned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to design a family home for him and his wife, Orpha. Known as the Westcott House, the Springfield home’s aesthetics represent Wright’s Prairie style of architecture, a precursor to his later Usonian works that were smaller but no less artistically designed.

The 4,400-square-foot Westcott House was completed in 1908 and features strong Japanese influences, like the home’s pagoda-like rooflines as well as its use of natural materials and warm wood tones. These details embody an early phase of the organic architecture style that can be seen in Wright’s later works like Taliesin and Fallingwater.

Each choice Wright made when designing

Westcott House

his homes was intentional. He oversaw each detail himself, down to the furniture and light fixtures. He even made recommendations for what kind of art should be displayed in each home.

“That’s why [his] houses, I think, are so compelling … you feel like you’ve entered this piece of artwork,” says Marta Wojcik, executive director and curator at Westcott House. “You just go through, and everything just makes sense. … On a human level, it’s comforting.”.

In the early 1940s, though, the Westcott House was purchased and altered, with walls added to create apartments and some original features removed. During the 1980s and ’90s, appreciation for Wright’s work increased. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy purchased the property in 2000, and the local nonprofit Westcott House Foundation began work on its restoration a year later. In 2005, it opened as one of just two Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Ohio that offer public tours.

85 S. Greenmount Ave., Springfield 45505, 937/327-9291, westcotthouse.org

Adena Mansion

The Federal-style former home of the father of Ohio statehood Thomas Worthington sits on a hill in Chillicothe.

Perched on a hill above the Scioto River Valley, Adena Mansion & Gardens in Chillicothe embodies Ohio history. Benjamin Latrobe, often called the father of American architecture, designed the home for Thomas Worthington, an early champion of Ohio statehood and our sixth governor.

Completed in 1807, the Federal-style home has 22 rooms and its blocky, symmetrical form, tall ceilings and understated details mirror Latrobe’s other projects, which includes the U.S. Capitol and Thomas Jefferon’s Monticello in Virginia. The warm orange, red and black hues of the sandstone walls that were quarried from the surrounding region give the mansion a character all its own.

Much of the original structure remains intact, a rarity for a house of its age, says Patrick Quackenbush, site director at Adena Mansion & Gardens.

“History is one of those things that sets the stage for what’s happening today, and you need to know it to understand what’s going on today,” Quackenbush says. “[At Adena], we can do that in great detail because we have so much information about their everyday lives.”

The estate’s influence also stretches beyond its walls. The view from the hilltop where it’s located is said to have inspired the design of the Great Seal of Ohio, with the Scioto River and Mount Logan depicted as Worthington might have seen them from the vantage point on his property.

Today, visitors can tour rooms furnished with original and period-replicated pieces and explore the gardens based on the plantings of Worthington’s time.

847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe 45601, 800/319-7248, ohiohistory.org

OUR HOUSE TAVERN

Built in 1819, Our House Tavern stands as a shining example of one of our nation’s earliest architectural styles. The Federal-style brick building originally opened as an inn and tavern operated by siblings Henry Cushing and Elizabeth Cushing Foster. Although the architect is unknown, the building showcases many design elements typical of early 19th-century inns, such as a taproom and dining room, as well as a ballroom for entertaining. Other features include a landscaped courtyard and a detached summer kitchen. ohiohistory.org

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family’s 64,500-square-foot former home in Akron reflects the most prominent features of the Tudor Revival style that originated in England between the late 15th and 17th centuries.

Harding Home

Warren G. Harding’s home in Marion looks much as it did when he campaigned for president from its front porch.

For Warren G. Harding, there was no part of his Marion home that was more significant than his front porch. He had the entire porch replaced just 12 years after the home was built in 1891. He then had the flooring of it replaced again in 1920, just ahead of his campaign for the presidency.

The Queen Ann-style home did not change much otherwise, and visitors to the home can see the asymmetry of the structure, as well as its prominent gables, ornate detailing and bright color scheme, all characteristics of the Queen Ann architectural style, itself a substyle of Victorian architecture. Tastes were changing during Harding’s day, however, and Colonial Revival quickly became the prevailing architectural style of the time, leading to the update of the home’s front porch.

“During Victorian times, people would just change the porch on a house because it was the most

Built between 1912 and 1915, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens was a result of the American Country Estate Movement, which drew industrialists to emulate the permanence and elegance of Old English styles while representing the new wealth of America. It led to grand manor houses with steep, gabled roofs, decorative half-timbering on upper levels, ornate chimneys and stained-glass windows.

“Stan Hywet wanted to give that illusion of old England in the Tudor era,” says Tom McKenzie, engagement director at Stan Hywet.

Seiberling commissioned the construction of the home, first holding a design competition which saw submissions from several architectural firms. Ultimately, the job went to George B. Posts & Sons, with Charles S. Schneider taking the lead to design the home’s now-iconic roof shape.

“It looks like a very steeply pitched roof, but it’s really an optical illusion created by the architect,” McKenzie says. “Starting at the base of the roof, above the gutters, you have large slate tiles, and as you reach the peak, they’re getting smaller to give that illusion.”

The 70-acre property has operated as a nonprofit since 1955, offering tours and hosting events throughout the year.

714 N. Portage Path, Akron 44303, 330/836-5533, stanhywet.org

ornamental part,” says Chris Buchanan, restoration specialist at the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites. “So, you could basically update a house by just changing the porch style and leaving the rest of the house alone.”

To keep up with the changing times, the future 29th president of the United States also had electric lighting, modern plumbing and the latest appliances of the time installed. But the front porch remains the most famous part of the home thanks to Harding’s frontporch campaign, a callback to an earlier time of presidential campaigning when crowds traveled to see a president speak at his home versus the other way around. The Harding Presidential Library & Museum opened on-site behind the home in 2021.

380 Mount Vernon Ave., Marion 43302, 800/600-6894, hardingpresidentialsites.org

This Tudor Revival home in Akron built by one of the first families of American tire-making welcomes visitors.

Ohio Statehouse

Our seat of government in Columbus evokes strength with its Greek Revival influences and blend of design styles.

Looking at Ohio’s state capitol building in Columbus, it would be easy to assume the structure was our state’s first and only seat of government. Its Greek Revival design exudes a sense of permanence with its towering limestone columns and drum-shaped copula.

Yet the current Ohio Statehouse was our second one, with the first Federal-style building completed in Chillicothe in 1801. The city was our state capital between 1803 and 1810 and again between 1812 and 1816. After Columbus was selected as the permanent state capital, construction on the Ohio Statehouse began, its Greek Revival stylings evoking the birthplace of democracy.

“From 1818 to 1850, Greek Revival architecture dominated the design of American public buildings,” says Chris Matheney, historic site manager at the Ohio Statehouse.

Construction on the Ohio Statehouse took place from 1839 to 1861, and several architects were involved. The final concept blended three design ideas, resulting in a multistyle building.

The statehouse also features neoclassical influences, particularly in the interior of the House Chamber. Connecting these styles is the rotunda. Rising 128 feet high, the space possesses an understated elegance, a common theme of Greek Revival architecture.

“The rotunda is known as the people’s room between all three branches of government,” Matheney says. “Symbolically, it’s lit by that light coming in through the top of the rotunda, providing light for the voice of the people.”

1 Capitol Square, Columbus 43215, 614/752-9777, ohiostatehouse.org

Ohio State Reformatory

This High Victorian Gothic building has long been a home to the arts in the city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Rising 150 feet high at its tallest peak, adorned with pointed arches and ornate finials, and bookended by two 60-foot-tall towers, Cincinnati Music Hall stands as a “temple to music,” says Thea Tjepkema, historic preservationist at Friends of Music Hall.

The building was always intended to be a place that embraced the arts and first opened in 1878 with the city’s third May Festival.

“It has wonderful carved architectural details in sandstone on the facade,” Tjepkema says. “You see carved birds singing, and that represents choral music.”

Cincinnati Music Hall, located next to Washington Park in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, still serves as a cornerstone of the arts in the Queen City. Today, it’s home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Cincinnati Opera and the Cincinnati Ballet.

The building’s architectural style is known as High Victorian Gothic, which appeared in the United States in the mid-1870s and is primarily seen in large public buildings, including Harvard Memorial Hall in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Jefferson Market Courthouse in Greenwich Village in New York City; and the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts.

Following a review of local and national design submissions, Samuel Hannaford received the commission for the project with his High Victorian Gothic design. The style incorporates elements of gothic architecture, particularly Music Hall’s rose window that sits high atop the center of the structure, measuring 30 feet across and containing 15,000 pounds of iron framing.

1241 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/744-3344, friendsofmusichall.org

This beautifully designed former prison is known for its starring role in “The Shawshank Redemption.”

The imposing and mysterious nature of Mansfield’s Ohio State Reformatory was exactly what “The Shawshank Redemption” director Frank Darabont was looking for when scouting locations for the setting of his Academy Award-nominated 1994 movie.

Derek Wilson, tour program manager at the reformatory, says the film crew visited a handful of former prisons, but did not find a place that fit the part until coming to Ohio.

Architect Levi T. Scofield blended three styles in his design for the building, which was built between 1886 and 1910: Richardsonian Romanesque Revival, Victorian Gothic and Queen Anne. Scofield, who also designed other buildings in Ohio, including downtown Cleveland’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, was inspired by Old World castles in Europe, where he studied architecture after serving in the Civil War.

Built at a time when new correctional facilities were more about reformation than just incarceration, the Ohio State Reformatory’s intricate stonework patterns, sweeping slanted roofs, turrets and towering spires were designed very intentionally.

“For these young [inmates] coming up the boulevard for the first time, this was supposed to bring them to a higher spiritual calling,” Wilson says, “but at the same time instill intimidation.”

Today, the nonprofit Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society manages the 250,000-square-foot tourist attraction that offers tours and hosts special events.

“Even if old prison history is not your thing, we are so much more than that,” Wilson says. “There aren’t a lot of structures like this anywhere.”

100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield 44905, 419/522-2644, mrps.org

Cincinnati Music Hall

HISTORY IN VIEW

Ohio’s Painted Murals and Barns

Celebrate America’s 250th

Ohio’s walls and barns have become canvases to recognize America’s 250th anniversary. Through Murals Across Ohio, all 88 counties will have the opportunity to tell the story of Ohio — past, present and future — through public art. These murals, like the one shown below at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, capture historical milestones, celebrate unique cultures and envision a brighter tomorrow. Read more about Murals Across Ohio on page 17 and view a map of mural locations on America250-Ohio.org/Murals-Map.

Five barns in every region of the state were painted to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, including the Rice Family Barn, shown on the cover, located in Wayne County on U.S. Route 250. The history of the farm stretches nearly as long as the county’s history. The family moved to the land in 1818, with seventh-generation owner Joe Rice and grandchildren living there now. They still have the deed signed by President James Monroe. Ohio muralist Scott Hagan, also known as the Barn Artist, painted all five barns. He also helped celebrate Ohio’s bicentennial in 2003 by painting barns in all 88 counties.

Rice Family Farm barn on U.S. Route 250 in New Pittsburg was painted to honor America’s 250th anniversary.

PHOTO BY GABE LEIDY

Celebrating America 250-Ohio

Todd Kleismit fondly recalls getting swept up in America’s bicentennial during the summer of 1976. As the nation celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic displays like commemorative coins and fire hydrants painted red, white and blue captured the imagination of the then-6-year-old Dayton native.

“It was a unifying event — an opportunity to bring people together,” says Kleismit, executive director of the Ohio Commission for the U.S. semiquincentennial, also known as America 250-Ohio.

The primarily state-funded commission was created by legislation in 2022 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence and Ohioans’ contributions to the history of the United States through events and more.

“It can be a time to reflect about the United States of America writ-large and our place in it in this time,” Kleismit says. “I’m confident the country and Ohio are well prepared to embrace that opportunity.”

The celebration kicks off in earnest beginning in January 2026 and will stretch beyond July 4, 2026, through the end of the year. Each month will have a theme and key experiences, such as tourism trails and festivals, and all our state’s 88 counties will take part.

“Ohio is taking this opportunity to celebrate very seriously, and we really want to showcase what Ohio and Ohioans have contributed to the United States of America,” Kleismit says.

Opportunities to take part in the celebration include events such as Ohio Goes to the Movies, a 250-day movie festival that honors Ohio’s impact on filmmaking, as well as commission-provided homecoming kits to encourage Ohioans to organize picnics, block parties and more next summer.

According to Kleismit, more than 300 Ohio communities have passed their own resolutions and formed local committees to participate in America 250-Ohio events or create their own activities. While America 250-Ohio will be leading many events and participating in nationwide efforts, a lot of things will be happening on the local level.

“That’s the biggest opportunity for people to get plugged in,” Kleismit says. “Bringing people together is such a large part of what we’re trying to do.”

The arrival of 2026 brings a wealth of opportunities to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States and to connect with how Ohio shaped our nation.

Air & Space Trail

LEARN HOW OHIOANS, FROM THE WRIGHT BROTHERS ONWARD, HELPED THE WORLD TAKE FLIGHT.

From taking flight to escaping our atmosphere, the stories of those who helped defy the bounds of gravity are woven into Ohio’s history. America 250-Ohio’s Air & Space Trail spans more than 40 sites that highlight Ohioans’ contributions to aviation and space exploration, from the Wright brothers’ groundbreaking invention to astronaut Neil Armstrong’s giant leap for mankind.

From large museums to small historic sites, the locations along the Air & Space Trail also highlight bits of history you might not know, like how automobile technology helped with breakthroughs in airplane engine development or the stories of pilots from our state who helped defend the nation during wartime. Since the dawn of the space program, 25 astronauts have hailed from Ohio, and more than 550 companies that support aerospace manufacturing are in operation across the state today. The Air & Space Trail invites Ohioans to explore that rich heritage and learn how these stories form an interconnected tapestry that began with aviation’s first steps and now encompasses work being done to take us deeper into space. From the boyhood home of an American hero to our capital city’s beloved science center, these spots offer a glimpse of what the Air & Space Trail offers.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

Neil Armstrong achieved worldwide fame when he set foot on the surface of the moon on July 20, 1969, but his beginnings are rooted in Wapakoneta. The Armstrong Air & Space Museum, which was completed in 1972 and built to resemble a futuristic moon base, tells his story by way of exhibits and artifacts, including his Gemini 8 capsule and a moon rock from the Apollo 11 mission. armstrongmuseum.org

Learn more about the Air & Space Trail here!

Wright Brothers National Museum at Carillon Historical Park

Dayton inventors Wilbur and Orville Wright were selftaught engineers who created one of history’s most magnificent engineering marvels —the first manned, powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flying machine.

See the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane in which the Wrights truly taught themselves how to fly. Other artifacts include two bicycles built by Wilbur and Orville Wright. daytonhistory.org

COSI

Experience the excitement of space travel through interactive exhibits. Discover the Kathy Sullivan Experience, honoring the first American woman to walk in space and her leadership in science education. Explore the John Glenn Experience, with a replica of the Freedom 7 capsule and authentic astronaut training artifacts. These exhibits celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of two Ohio-born pioneers and offer a handson journey into space exploration. cosi.org

Historical Aircraft Squadron

Founded in 1994 and housed in a hangar at the Fairfield County Airport, the Historical Aircraft Squadron invites visitors to explore wartime history by way of restored aircraft and other military vehicles as well as authentic uniforms and equipment. The Library and Research Center houses books and videos for those seeking a deeper exploration of aircraft history. The hangar also houses a restoration facility where dedicated volunteers work to restore historic aircraft and other vehicles. historicalaircraftsquadron.org

John & Annie Glenn Museum

John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth in February 1962 when his Friendship 7 capsule was launched into space. Explore Glenn’s life of service at the John & Annie Glenn Museum housed within Glenn’s boyhood home in New Concord, the town where he and his wife grew up. Tours showcase artifacts from Glenn’s childhood and career and offer insight into his early life. johnandannieglennmuseum.org

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum

From the streets to the skies, Ohio has long been a center of transportation, and this museum in Cleveland’s University Circle showcases northeast Ohio’s role. Part of the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center and founded in 1965, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum displays a nationally lauded collection of more than 160 antique automobiles, 14 airplanes and other vehicles that tell the story of the evolution of transportation. wrhs.org

Q& A

Tim Epperhart PRESIDENT OF BUTLER COUNTY WARBIRDS

Tim Epperhart has been flying planes for over 30 years, and his enthusiasm for aviation hasn’t dwindled. Although he takes to the skies less frequently now, the president of Butler County Warbirds oversees a museum in Middletown that holds a collection of historic aircraft and over 2,600 artifacts.

What inspired you to become a pilot? I fell in love with airplanes when I was about 6 years old. On a family trip to Lake Erie, we took a plane ride to one of the islands … Then, the ride back to the mainland was on a ’28 Ford Trimotor. … It was big, loud, it shook, it rattled, it smelled. It did everything an airplane needed to do.

Why is the mission of Butler County Warbirds so important to you? It goes back to me falling in love with World War II aviation back when I was a kid. … These guys gave so much, and then when they were done, they just came home and went back to work on the farm. … These people deserve to be remembered.

Why do you think that aviation history resonates with people so strongly? People need heroes and people to look up to as role models. When you have someone like that, it motivates you to be better. That’s how it works for me.

For more, visit bcwarbirds.com.

At first glance, Toledo is Ohio’s fourth-largest city, perched on the edge of Lake Erie and built on a foundation of thriving glass and automotive industries. But look closer—and a different story emerges. This is a city on the rise, where revitalization isn’t just a buzzword, but a movement fueled by resilience, Midwestern hospitality, and an unwavering drive to keep going.

Toledo surprises you in the best ways. Its cultural institutions are world-renowned, its park system award-winning, and its culinary scene bold, diverse, and delightfully unexpected. No matter the season, Toledo welcomes visitors with a spirit that feels instantly familiar. It’s a place designed for effortless exploration, where everything is closer—making it easy to spend more time experiencing and less time navigating. From vibrant performing and visual arts to hidden culinary gems, every visit feels both adventurous and deeply connected.

Whether it’s your first visit or you have lived here for years, Toledo offers something rare: a destination that invites connection, and fuels curiosity.

This is Toledo. Experience it for yourself.

Toledo Jeep Fest

Toledo Museum of Art

Glass City Metropark

Celebrate America’s 250th in the Heart of Nature—Hocking Hills, Ohio

Step into history and wonder in Hocking Hills during America’s 250th celebration. Hike ancient trails, explore breathtaking caves, and gather around campfires beneath starlit skies. With charming cabins, scenic byways, and rich heritage, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with the spirit of America— past and present. Make your milestone moment unforgettable in Ohio’s natural crown jewel.

1-800-Hocking

ExploreHockingHills.com

Creativity Trail

EMBRACE ART, FROM FAMOUS PAINTINGS TO ROCK-STAR RIFFS, ALONG THIS ROUTE.

OLearn more about the Creativity Trail here!

hioans have also been innovators in the arts, be it bringing rock ’n’ roll to the masses or launching America’s studio glass art movement. From painters and sculptors to musicians and cartoonists, our state has long been a place where creativity abounds. America 250-Ohio’s Creativity Trail spans more than 100 sites, where travelers can explore the arts across six different categories: Visual Arts, On the Page, Music, Glass & Pottery, Carousels, and Folk & Traditional Arts. The collection of stops works together to highlight the multitude of ways that Ohioans have contributed to the arts, not just locally but across the country and around the globe.

The trail can be explored by genre or region. Focus on the art of carousels, for example, and travelers soon learn that the Buckeye State boasts one of the United States’ largest collections of the iconic amusement ride. Or instead opt for a multimedia exploration of a particular region of Ohio to see how the communities within it have contributed to Ohio’s vibrant arts tradition. These destinations are just a sampling of the inspiring arts destinations that are part of this trail.

Visit this hallowed hall where legendary rockers from AC/DC to ZZ Top are celebrated every day. Designed by architect I.M. Pei, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been bringing visitors to Cleveland since 1995. Although the museum is filled with artifacts that tell the stories of the musicians honored here, there are also handson experiences like The Garage, which offers the chance to jam and gives visitors the rock-star treatment. rockhall.com

Music: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Carousels: Merry-Go-Round Museum

Because Ohio boasts one of the nation’s largest number of carousels, it makes sense that the MerryGo-Round Museum is found here, too. Housed in a former post office building in Sandusky, the museum has enchanted visitors since 1990. It shares the woodcarving artistry behind carousels and offers the chance to take a spin on a full-size indoor carousel with figures from the museum’s collection and private collectors. merrygoroundmuseum.org

Folk & Traditional Arts: The Dairy Barn Arts Center

Housed in a renovated barn in the college town of Athens, The Dairy Barn Arts Center opened in 1978 and a year later first hosted the Quilt National, a biennial tradition that still happens here today. The center has three galleries that host contemporary art exhibits, and it serves as a creative resource for the community, offering classes and workshops across a variety of mediums. dairybarn.org

On the Page: Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

Located on The Ohio State University campus in Columbus, this research library and small museum houses a collection of comics and cartoons that spans 300,000 original works and 2.5 million newspaper comic strips and pages. (It’s named after the Chillicothe native who drew editorial cartoons for The Columbus Dispatch.) The museum hosts special exhibitions related to the art of cartoons and comics. cartoons.osu.edu

Glass & Pottery: Rookwood Pottery

Rookwood Pottery has been operating in Cincinnati since 1880 and is still there today in the city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Visitors can take a factory tour to learn about the long legacy of this handmade pottery that has been a favorite for generations. Rookwood Pottery offers hands-on workshops for visitors, and the company’s on-site factory store provides an opportunity to take a piece of Cincinnati history home. rookwood.com

Visual Arts: Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art opened in 1901, and this free museum provides a beautiful showcase of art spanning the globe. The museum is currently undergoing its first major gallery reinstallation in over 40 years, which will result in a chronological presentation that tells a fuller story of human creativity. The Glass Pavilion shares the story of studio glass art and features glass-blowing demonstrations in its on-site studio. toledomuseum.org

Del Ray Grace

FOUNDER OF SACRED STEEL MUSIC & HISTORY MUSEUM

At the age of 12, Toledo native Del Ray Grace discovered a musical style known as Sacred Steel at his local church. Featuring stringed instruments, including the steel guitar, the style originated in the Church of the Living God during the 1930s. Today, Grace, founder of the Sacred Steel Music & History Museum in Toledo, preserves its legacy.

Why did you decide to create a museum dedicated to Sacred Steel music? I was determined not to leave this Earth with this story inside of me. I think it’s a story that’s never been told and needed to be told.

What has the community’s response to the museum been?

I’ve been really excited about the interest in it. … I’ve been here all my life, and there’s a great number of people who never heard of Sacred Steel. We used to play around town, here and there, all the time, but generations have changed.

What role does music play in the museum experience?

You got people who just love to hear the music and you have other people who want to know what makes these guys tick — the story behind the musician or the story behind the tradition.

For more, visit sacredstrings.com/ssmhm.

Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail

DISCOVER HOW RIVERS, CANALS AND OUR GREAT LAKE SHAPED OUR STATE.

Before the United States took to the rails, skies and highways, our waterways were how people and goods reached far-off places. Many Ohio towns trace their roots to the roles they played in Great Lakes shipping or their connection to the canal systems that opened the interior of the state to trade during the 19th century.

America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail has over 150 stops that celebrate how Ohio’s waterways contributed to the evolution of the state. It spans lighthouses, canal locks, maritime museums and other destinations that have a tie to our rivers, canals and Lake Erie. These waterways were not just integral to the development of Ohio. They also helped support westward expansion and were vital to the success of abolitionists who helped freedom seekers make their way to freedom in Canada along Ohio’s portion of the Underground Railroad.

Those who explore America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Tr of the people and places that shaped our nation. These destinations along the route offer a flavor of the rich history found at sites recognized as part o

This museum in Toledo highlights the impact the Great Lakes have had in shaping the United States. From fur trading done by water in the 17th century to the modern ships that cross the Great Lakes today, the story is a long and rich one.

Explore more than 300 artifacts and interactive exhibits year-round, and step aboard the 617-foot Col. James M. Schoonmaker freighter that is docked outside from May 1 through Oct. 31. nmgl.org

Learn more about the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail here!

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Monticello III Horse-Drawn Canal Boat Rides

A trip to Roscoe Village whisks visitors back to the heyday of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Summer visitors can even experience a ride aboard the Monticello III, a horse-drawn canal boat that floats down a restored section of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Two draft horses, Tim and Diesel, pull the boat from the towpath as the captain shares details of life along the canal in the 1830s. visitcoshocton.com

Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse

Shining a light over Lake Erie from 1825 to 1925, the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse started as a 30-foot beacon beside the lake. The lighthouse was rebuilt in 1871 into the 60-foot-tall structure travelers can visit today. Climb the 69 steps to the top for spectacular Lake Erie views. The on-site museum, which was founded in 1945, shares the stories of the lighthouse and Great Lakes maritime history. fairportharborlighthouse.org

Magee Marsh

The marshland along Lake Erie draws scores of visitors each May for the Biggest Week in American Birding, a time during which brightly colored warblers and other bird species descend on the area as part of their spring migration. Spanning 2,202 acres just north of Oak Harbor, Magee Marsh has an accessible boardwalk that provides a perfect vantage point for bird-watching, while the visitor center offers insightful exhibits and information. ohiodnr.gov

John Rankin House

Explore Ohio’s connection to the Underground Railroad at the John Rankin House, located along the Ohio River in the village of Ripley. It is estimated that more than 2,000 freedom seekers passed through the Rev. John Rankin’s home on their journey along the historic network. Today, visitors can take a tour of the 1825 Rankin home and learn how the home’s owner contributed to the abolitionist movement. ohiohistory.org

Historic Fort Steuben & Scenic Byway Visitor Center

Step into Ohio’s early frontier days at Historic Fort Steuben, a reconstructed 18th-century fort that protected government surveyors mapping the Northwest Territory. Located just above the banks of the Ohio River, the Visitor Center features exhibits on river navigation and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, whose early journey passed through the Ohio River Valley. oldfortsteuben.com

Q& A

Brewster Rhoads

CHAIR OF OHIO RIVER WAY

Since moving to Cincinnati in 1980, Brewster Rhoads has been paddling the Ohio River — sometimes more than 250 days a year. He founded the Ohio River Paddlefest and the Great Ohio River Swim and serves as chair of the Ohio River Way, an organization that promotes recreation on the Ohio River.

How do you help people find their personal connection to the Ohio River? What we’ve done with the Ohio River Way and with Ohio River Paddlefest is give people a personal experience. We help make the river accessible and bust the myths that keep people away from using it.

The Ohio River Way was recently designated as a National Water Trail. Why is that designation important? It’s a reason for people to live in our region, and it’s a way to attract visitors and potential new residents by celebrating this beautiful river. The designation was tremendously gratifying. It’s a lifetime accomplishment.

Why do you think it’s important to encourage people to connect with the river?

We’re basically giving people an opportunity to have a personal experience with the Ohio River, after which most people say, “Wow, I had no idea the Ohio River was so beautiful.” You learn more by doing something than by reading about it.

For more, visit ohioriverway.org.

AKRON

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, make your own pilgrimage through the stories that shaped our nation.

SUMMIT COUNTY

• Explore the natural beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only national park, and home to the stunning Brandywine Falls, a 60-foot cascading waterfall.

• Step back in time at the Akron History Center and learn how Akron began. Experience three floors of exhibits, artifacts and displays, all combined to tell the story of Akron’s founding.

Stark & Summit Counties

• Take a spin on the Conservation Carousel at the Akron Zoo, featuring 33 hand-carved wooden animals. The Akron Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world.

• Summit County is filled with deep history, where stories of canal towns, industry pioneers and preserved landmarks bring the past to life.

Check out all the America 250 locations in Summit County!

Blue Hen Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Conservation Carousel at the Akron Zoo

Akron History Center

In the Akron-Canton region, every museum, monument, and Main Street invites you to connect more deeply with the American spirit.

STARK COUNTY

• Visit the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum and explore science exhibits, a planetarium, and the impressive monument and final resting place of our 25th president.

• At the National First Ladies Library & Museum, tour “The Eras Exhibit: 250 Years of First Ladies’ Progress and Power”, exploring the evolving role of First Ladies throughout American history.

• Spend your day at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with everything from interactive exhibits to aweinspiring displays of NFL greatness.

• History lives on in Stark County’s charming towns and villages. From the canal-era roots of Canal Fulton to the brick-lined streets of Minerva and Louisville’s Constitution-focused landmarks.

Check out all the America 250 locations in Stark County!

Pro Football Hall of Fame

Umbrella Alley

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum

Roots To Be Proud Of ? IT’S A SHORE THING

On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will turn 250 years old! America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration where Ohioans from all 88 counties will be in the spotlight of the impact Ohio’s unique role had in our nation’s story.

Heritage pride runs deep in Shores & Islands Ohio. Go back in time and reconnect to a bygone age as you explore the Shores & Islands Ohio Heritage Trail, featuring a wide variety of the region’s historical sites and museums. This trail takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of our area. Delve into the past as you uncover hidden tales, forgotten anecdotes, and remarkable events that have shaped the very fabric of our communities. Sign up for your free mobile pass and start your experience today!

Shores & Islands Ohio and the US will be holding celebrations leading up to July 4, 2026. Stay tuned for more info about events at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Liberty Aviation Museum Port Clinton, OH

ANNIE OAKLEY MURAL, GREENVILLE

ACROSS OHIO Murals

Whether in Ohio’s big cities or the Buckeye State’s tiniest towns, public artworks have rich stories to tell. Donna Collins, executive director of the Ohio Arts Council, established Murals Across Ohio to catalog these large-scale pieces. The program highlights murals that depict historic milestones, celebrate unique cultures and envision a brighter future.

When Collins put out a call for murals that fit the bill, she immediately received close to 60 responses, and by June 2025, there were over 150 submissions. Murals are added to an interactive map on the America 250-Ohio website, where visitors can click on a plot point to see a photo, description and address for each piece.

Small towns are represented, with pieces such as Circleville’s Pumpkin Show 100th Anniversary mural, a work by Eric Henn that depicts one of our state’s beloved fall festivals, and Oxford Hive, a piece from Joseph Prescher that honors the town’s status as the birthplace of the modern beehive, invented in 1851 by apiarist L.L. Langstroth. Dirk Rozich’s Ashville Fourth of July Parade mural also stands out for its depiction of a marching band in a parade that is packed with details for the viewer to uncover.

“It’s just rich with hidden messages. … Visitors can really spend hours there, discovering and interpreting the details,” Collins says. “It’s things like that that make this special. I may not have ever seen that mural if not for this project.”

The Buckeye State’s cities find their way onto the map with Grain to Glass, a Cincinnati mural by Jim Effler that portrays each step in the beer-making process and pays homage to the Queen City’s deep ties to the industry. The Glass City River Wall, a massive artwork designed by Gabe Gault, spans 28 silos along the Maumee River in Toledo and honors the area’s Indigenous history.

“You start seeing the entire picture of not just public art and murals,” Collins says, “but the depiction of what’s going on in all corners of the state, how that’s impacted the history, evolution and development of Ohio and its importance in the history of the United States.”

For more information about Murals Across Ohio, visit america250-ohio.org/murals-across-ohio.

CELEBRATE 250 IN SPRINGFIELD

Spend your next weekend getaway in Springfield, Ohio where you’ll find great food, amazing parks, world class antique shopping, and nationally recognized attractions. A perfect road trip destination and a region on the rise. As the capital of active leisure in Ohio, you’ll be able to #findyourunwind at your own pace.

Tracing History on U.S. Route 250

IN OHIO, THIS FEDERAL HIGHWAY RUNS FROM SANDUSKY TO THE BELMONT COUNTY VILLAGE OF BRIDGEPORT — A ROAD TRIP THAT CONNECTS NOTABLE LOCATIONS TIED TO OUR NATION’S PAST.

More than 170 miles of U.S. Route 250 stretch through Ohio, from the lakeshore city of Sandusky to the village of Bridgeport in Belmont County. When America 250-Ohio executive director Todd Kleismit learned this while planning ways to commemorate our nation’s semiquincentennial, he saw a fun road trip.

“The more I looked into it, the more I loved what I saw there,” he says. “It connects Lake Erie to the Ohio River. It goes through eight different Ohio counties. It’s scenic in certain places and has a nice, diverse mix of communities.”

Beginning less than a mile from the Lake Erie shore in Sandusky, the highway is known

MERRY-GO-ROUND MUSEUM, SANDUSKY

THOMAS EDISON’S BIRTHPLACE, MILAN

DENNISON RAILROAD DEPOT MUSEUM MURAL

SCHOENBRUNN VILLAGE, NEW PHILADELPHIA

» CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

to many Cedar Point amusement park visitors and begins not far from the city’s Merry-Go-Round Museum. From there it heads southeast, passing by the village of Milan — the birthplace of inventor Thomas Edison, who is honored with a museum in his hometown.

U.S. 250 then continues through Norwalk, a city that has connections to the American Revolution. It was once part of the Firelands, land set aside

at the edge of the Connecticut Western Reserve for those who had lost their homes to British-set fires during the Revolutionary War.

“There are a lot of references to the Firelands, but not a lot of people know or understand the context,” Kleismit says.

Continuing southeast toward the college towns of Ashland and Wooster, Kleismit says the rolling hills in this area offer some of the best natural scenery along Ohio’s portion of U.S. 250. Wooster is named after the American Revolution’s

Ohio’s Railroad Legacy

Along U.S. Route 250, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum stands as a reminder of the past, as well as a celebration of Ohio's significance in innovation and transportation history.

In the heart of the U.S., Ohio’s railroads once whistled with abundant trains, each serving at the forefront of 19th-century economic growth and expansion. With the rise of automobiles and the development of the interstate highway system, railroad's popularity for personal travel gave way to automobiles and airplanes.

Today, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum celebrates and preserves Ohio’s railroad legacy. The Depot is a National Historic Landmark and the best example in the nation of a servicemen's canteen.

Gen. David Wooster, and both cities are home to impressive county courthouses.

“I really love historic county courthouses and downtowns,” Kleismit says. “That’s really one of Ohio’s strengths: our county seats and their historic charm.”

In Tuscarawas County, the Fort Laurens Museum, built on the site of the former Revolutionary War outpost, can be seen by making a brief detour off U.S. 250.

“Fort Laurens was a short-term fort, but it’s one of Ohio’s most important Revolutionary War touchpoints,” Kleismit says of the site.

Along U.S. 250 outside of New Philadelphia sits Schoenbrunn Village, where Moravian missionary David Zeisberger and his Delaware (or Lenape) Native American followers lived from 1772 to 1777. Today, it is home to 17 re-created structures built on their original sites.

About 8 miles farther along U.S. 250, travelers can stop at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum in the village of Dennison. The train station served as a World War II canteen that served food and drink to troops on their way to deployment or training.

Before reaching the village of Bridgeport on the Ohio River, U.S. Route 250 runs through Cadiz, the birthplace of actor Clark Gable, who starred in Gone with the Wind. “We’re leaning into all of these things and U.S. Route 250 is a great way for us to showcase all the things that Ohio can bring to this semiquincentennial,” says Kleismit.

To honor America’s 250th anniversary, the Depot is offering round trips aboard their passenger trains, and the museum has immersive railroad history and wartime exhibits. Watch as trains run in a large model train layout, depicting Dennison in its prime. The Panhandle Theater features a film on Dennison’s rich history, focusing on its role as a WWII-era railroad canteen. Steam locomotives, passenger cars and freight cars sit well-preserved for viewing.

For more information on the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, visit dennisondepot.org.

WAYNE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, WOOSTER

JAN-DEC 2026

KNOXCOUNTY

OHIO CELEBRATE CELEBRATE

JOIN US IN 2026 TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL!

KNOX COUNTY IS ALL IN TO CELEBRATE

OHIO’S RICH HISTORY AND UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE U.S. FOR THE LAST 250 YEARS.

FROM PICNICS TO PLAYS, MUSICALS TO MOVIES, HISTORY TALES TO HISTORY TRAILS; YOU’LL DISCOVER WHY KNOX COUNTY IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, IN THE HEART OF IT ALL.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & DON’T MISS THE BIG CELEBRATIONS!

VISIT OUR FEATURED CREATIVITY TRAIL STOP

ARIELFOUNDATION PARK

DID YOU KNOW THAT

CHEWING GUM

WAS FIRST PATENTED BY A DENTIST IN MOUNT VERNON IN THE LATE 1800S?

DID YOU KNOW THAT AWARD-WINNING ACTOR AND HOLLYWOOD HEARTTHROB, PAUL NEWMAN STUDIED AT KENYON COLLEGE?

Ohio Goes to the Movies

In 2026, movie screens across the state will light up with Ohio-centric films as Ohio Goes to the Movies (OGTTM), a signature event of America 250-Ohio.

Beginning February 11 through October 16, each of Ohio's 88 counties will be represented among more than 280 screenings. These are movies recognizing Ohioans in front of and behind the camera throughout the

Dee, Doris Day, Burgess Meredith and Paul Newman to directors like Steven Spielberg, Jim Jarmusch and Julia Reichert. Musicians Henri Mancini, Trent Renzor, Mark Mothersbaugh and The National. Animators such as pioneering Charles Csuri and Mark Henn of Disney fame, along with costume designers like Oscar winner Paul Tazewell, and prop designer John Zabrucky.

For this endeavor, OGTTM enlisted the help of venues large and small across the state, to host events, including drive-ins, historic theaters, art houses and independent and commercial cinemas, as well as community centers, museums, libraries and more.

It's fitting that OGTTM will launch on February 11 at the Milan Township Hall. Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio, on February 11, and his genius and inventions helped launch the entertainment industry. This town in northwest Ohio represents all of Ohio’s small towns, as well as large towns, where talent was born.

These free ticketed and open to the public events will include a preview gathering (such as a red-carpet event, trivia or the like), followed by watching the movie and culminating with an audience participation Q&A. Each community venue is planning its own celebration and what fun they will be! Several examples can be found in the calendar section that starts on page 25 of this publication.

This unprecedented series is the brainchild of former Ohio Bicentennial Commission executive director Stephen George, who has carried the idea around since 2003, according to Molly Kreuzman, program director for Ohio Goes to the Movies. As he traveled to Ohio’s 88 counties as part of his Ohio Bicentennial Commission duties, George noted how many people referenced locals who had made it big in Hollywood. They may be household names now, but Kreuzman points out that many began their journeys, went to school or gained career-building experience across Ohio.

“Ohio Goes to the Movies is growing beyond our expectations, and we are so excited because no one has ever done something of this reach and scope,” notes Kreuzman. “We’re proud to spotlight these people from your own backyard who have done something pretty amazing in this one-of-a-kind movie series.”

For more information about the Ohio Goes to the Movie series, visit ohiogoestothemovies.org.

GOVERNOR AND MRS. DEWINE AT THE OHIO GOES TO THE MOVIES ANNOUNCEMENT AT THE LINCOLN THEATER IN COLUMBUS

Mark Your Calendar!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE CELEBRATIONS!

FIND EVEN MORE EVENTS ON AMERICA250-OHIO.ORG.

2025

November 13

Ohio & The Revolution Webinar Series: The Revolution Begins

Join America 250-Ohio and experts for a live discussion exploring Ohio’s role before the American Revolution.

November 16–21

Ken Burns American Revolution PBS Series

Watch this six-part PBS series airing nationwide, exploring the war’s global impact, personal stories and America’s founding through powerful storytelling and history.

December 12–January 23

Thomas Corwin: A Profile in Courage Exhibit

Take an intimate look at the life of the statesman Abraham Lincoln credited with single-handedly keeping Mexico from joining the Confederacy. Harmon Museum, 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon.

2026

January 10

Chillicothe: Ohio’s First Capital

Learn about Ohio’s first capital, Chillicothe. This is the first in a series of monthly talks occurring in the Chillicothe area on the second Saturday of each month throughout 2026. Replica of the First Capital Building of Ohio, 50 W. Main St., Chillicothe.

January 17–April 25

Revolutionary Exhibit

This temporary exhibit showcases Revolutionary War veterans who settled in Licking County. Discover their stories, legacy and impact on the community. The Works: Ohio Center for History, 55 S. First St., Newark.

250 Buckeye Train and Transportation Celebration

April 25–26, 2026

Located halfway between Columbus and Pittsburgh, the town of Dennison was dubbed Dreamsville, USA by the 1.3 million service members who passed through on their way to serve during World War II. Today, the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum is the only remaining example of the 242 nationwide trackside canteens that provided food and lifted the spirits of traveling soldiers.

In recognition of Ohio’s role in the evolution of transportation, the two-day 250 Buckeye Train and Transportation Celebration invites participants to chug along through time with trains, planes and automobiles and commemorate how our state helped shape U.S. history.

“Ohio was a leader in transportation in many ways: in air and auto and rail and military support,” says Wendy Zucal, executive director of the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. “This event is all about Ohio’s transportation history, past and present.”

On April 25, 2026, ticketed passengers are invited to board the AM 250-OH Buckeye Train departing from Columbus for a round-trip adventure to the Dennison Depot. While traveling east at 35 mph, riders can learn about the history of the area and take in the picturesque scenery before a three-hour stop in Dennison. On April 26, 2026, a separate event offers ticketed riders a round-trip excursion from Newark to Dennison with a planned pick-up in Coshocton on its journey to Dennison.

Once they arrive in Dennison, visitors can trace the evolution of the automobile at the Ohio 250 Car Show, while vintage airplanes and modern military aircraft take to the skies in flyovers meant to reflect the spirit of World War II-era aviation history.

Other highlights include WWII reenactors, museum exhibits, food trucks and a USO show reminiscent of the entertainment soldiers were treated to during deployment. For more information, including ticket availability, visit dennisondepot.org.

January 22

Local Women and the Underground Railroad

Discover the revolutionary women of Putnam, Ohio, and their contributions to the Underground Railroad through this public talk. Stone Academy, 115 Jefferson St., Zanesville.

January 30–31

Northwest Ordinance Conference

Join scholars and history enthusiasts at this two-day conference that explores the 1787 act of Congress that established the Northwest Territory — including Ohio. The Blackwell Inn, 2210 Tuttle Park Pl., Columbus.

February 14–22

Dispatch Home & Garden Show: Celebrating America

Celebrate America at the 2026 Central Ohio Home & Garden Show. Explore stunning gardens, expert advice and endless inspiration — all under one roof. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus.

February 19

Ohio Goes to the Movies: The Male Animal (1942) and A Unicorn in the Garden (1953)

Author, cartoonist and playwright James Thurber was born in Columbus and wrote the source text for the films. Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St., Columbus.

February 21

Ohio Goes to the Movies: La La Land (2016)

Musician, record producer and actor John Legend is a native of Springfield and appears in the film. Springfield State Theater, 19 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield.

March 10

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Touchback (2011)

The movie was filmed in part in Coshocton with local extras, including two high school football teams. Shelby Theatres, 460 Downtowner Plaza #1929, Coshocton.

March 19

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Philadelphia Story (1940)

This Academy Award-winning best picture was written by Columbus’ Donald Ogden Stewart. The museum will showcase costume designers who worked with Katharine Hepburn. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Dr., Kent.

March 21

Ohio Goes to the Movies: A Man Called Otto (2022)

The movie was filmed in part in northern Ohio. Director Marc Forster is from Columbus, as is actor Jon Osbeck, while actor Peter Lawson Jones is from Cleveland. Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee.

March 27

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Best in Show (2000)

Actress Rachael Harris is from Worthington, attended Otterbein University and plans to attend the screening. A local rescue will promote shelter dogs. McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington.

April 1

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Rain Man (1988)

Filmed in and around Greater Cincinnati, Rain Man helped spark the establishment of a film commission in Cincinnati. The Historic Plaza Theatre, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg.

April 12

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Actor Paul Newman grew up in Shaker Heights and worked at Cedar Lee Theatre. His daughter, Melissa, will speak at the screening. Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights.

April 18

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Despicable Me (2010)

Steve Carell is the voice of Gru and graduated from Denison University in Granville. Hillsboro Orpheum, 135 N. High St., Ste. 2, Hillsboro.

April 22

Ohio Goes to the Movies: The Princess Bride (1987)

The novel and screenplay were written by William Goldman (Oberlin College).

The film stars Cleveland actor Carol Kane. Apollo Theatre, 19 E. College St., Oberlin.

Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic July

2026

Nothing gets the summer sizzling quite like a picnic. Whether you plan your own or attend one of the organized Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic events across the state, the idea behind this America 250-Ohio initiative is to encourage friends and family to gather in July and celebrate our nation’s birth on its semiquincentennial.

“It’s also an opportunity to encourage people to come back home to Ohio, so it’s a reconnecting with community and coming together,” says Megan Wood, executive director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection in Columbus.

In a partnership with Cenovus Energy, signature gatherings are planned for Lima and Toledo, as well as the Ohio History Center in Columbus, Schoenbrunn Village in New Philadelphia, the Harding Presidential Sites in Marion, the Newark Earthworks in Newark and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center in Wilberforce.

Groups who register to host an event will receive a picnic kit, Wood notes. Ideas for games, trivia sessions, speakers and even Spotify playlists will be included in each kit, in addition to suggestions for activities such as reading the Declaration of Independence — something done frequently in public places for those who did not have access to newspapers and other public forums in 1776.

Ohioans are also being asked to explore the history of the places they call home to find significant items that personalize each picnic. For example, Cleveland cookouts could highlight Bertman Original Ball Park Mustard, served at professional baseball games in the city since the 1920s, while Cincinnati gatherings could make locally beloved Grippo’s Potato Chips (founded in downtown Cincinnati in 1919) part of their menu. For details on Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic events or for guidance on hosting a picnic in your community, visit america250-ohio.org/picnic.

April 25–26

250 Buckeye Train Ride

Take a train ride to the historic Dennison Depot. On the train, enjoy reenactors and storytelling. When you arrive in Dennison, you’ll be treated to the America 250-Ohio Transportation Celebration. Hop back on the train for the return trip. Round trip from Columbus to Dennison on April 25 and round trip from Newark to Dennison on April 26.

May 1

Call to Duty Salute Marker Trail Launch

Celebrate the launch of the Ottawa County Veterans Legacy Trail. Honor Ottawa County veterans as you explore local cemeteries and learn more about their contributions. Ottawa County Designated Cemeteries.

May 30

1950s Sock Hop & Classic Car Cruise In

Come dressed in your favorite ’50s attire, check out some cool classic cars and enjoy some sweet treats. Guernsey County District Public Library, 63500 Byesville Rd., Cambridge.

May 30–31

Train to Newark’s Strawberry Festival and America 250-Ohio Picnic

Take a train ride to Downtown Newark to enjoy the Americana Strawberry festival and participate in the America 250-Ohio picnic! Dennison Railroad Depot, 400 Center St., Dennison.

June 6–8

Day in the Life of a Lighthouse Keeper

Brian Ellis of Fox Tales International will recreate the daily life of a lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes circa the 1800s–1900s.

June 6: Port Clinton Lighthouse, 1868 E. Perry St., Port Clinton. June 7: South Bass Lighthouse, 2368 Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay.

June 8: Lakeside Chautauqua-Orchestra Hall, 800 Maple Ave., Lakeside.

June 8

QR the ’Burg: America 250 Story Quest Kickoff

Stroll through Reynoldsburg and scan

QR codes to hear student-led stories that bring 250 years of the nation’s past to life, one stop at a time. City of Reynoldsburg, 7232 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg.

June 12

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Rio Bravo (1959)

Singer, actor and comedian Dean Martin was born in Steubenville. The screenplay was written by Leigh Bracket from Kinsman. The Dean Martin Association, Fort Steuben, 120 S. Third St., Steubenville.

June 13–14

America 250 Celebration: America in 1776

Join a celebration of America complete with costumed interpreters, 18th-century games and historic demonstrations. Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe.

June 14

Upper Sandusky Flag Day Ceremony

Celebrate Flag Day with a display of historic U.S. flags, a patriotic ceremony and proper flag retirement with local scouts. Upper Sandusky Elks Lodge, 320 E. Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky.

June 19–20

Homefront to Warfront

This is a joint event with the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, held in both Dennison and Sugarcreek. Enjoy the “Homefront” of WWII in Dennison and the “Warfront” at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum’s Steam to Victory Event. Dennison Railroad Depot, 400 Center St., Dennison.

June 24

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Toy Story 2 (1999)

Academy Award-winning director and editor Lee Unkrich is from Chagrin Falls. CDFF on the Triangle (Chagrin Doc Film Fest), 3½ N. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls.

June 27

Ohio’s Homecoming & Signature Picnic: Lima

Join the City of Lima for an all-star picnic extravaganza including the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Greater Lima Region Park & Amphitheater, 128 E. Spring St., Lima.

The Works 30th: History –America’s 250th Celebration

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday as well as the 30th anniversary of The Works with Revolutionary War reenactors, local history partners and history-themed /family-friendly activities. The Works: Ohio Center for History, 55 S. First St., Newark.

June 27 and July 1, 9, 11, 14 & 17

America 250 Concert: America’s History Through Music performed by the Akron Symphonic Winds

Listen to a narrated musical journey through U.S. history, featuring works by Ohio composers. June 27: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 7619 Memphis Ave., Brooklyn.

July 1: Cahoon Memorial Park Gazebo, 27600 Lake Rd., Bayside. July 9: Akron Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron July 11: Heritage Park Gazebo, 400 Grant St., Dennison. July 14: Village Green Pavilion, 4586 W. Streetsboro Rd., Richfield. July 17: Wadsworth Square Theatre, 151 Main St., Wadsworth.

ODNR Legacy Festival July 4, 2026

As the oldest continuously operating beacon on the Great Lakes, Marblehead Lighthouse is not as old as the United States, but it’s been helping ships navigate the rocky shoreline of Lake Erie since 1822.

It guided sailors long before Orville and Wilbur Wright took flight and is still doing so decades after Ohioan Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.

The 65-foot limestone tower also played a critical role in national defense over the years, particularly during WWII when it was a key point for monitoring shipping traffic and guiding military vessels.

In partnership with the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources hosts its Legacy Festival at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park on July 4, 2026, providing attendees with a unique way to celebrate our nation’s semiquincentennial.

“It’s something really special to make history in a place that’s already had so much history,” says Alyssa Yaple, senior director of strategic initiatives for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “And we expect to do that with this event.”

On the schedule for this free event is an outdoor concert led by the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, refreshments, lawn games and an opportunity to learn about the geological history of the area, including the glacial movements that shaped the Marblehead Peninsula. Visitors can also delight in watching fireworks from Cedar Point, which is located across the Sandusky Bay.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, tours of the lighthouse are offered every 20 minutes between noon and 4 p.m., offering visitors an opportunity to ascend the 77-step spiral staircase and take in the views from the top. Tours are $3, but there is no charge to visit the grounds. 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead 43440, ohiodnr.gov

July 2

Muskingum County 4th of July Celebration

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980 )

Celebration of America Festival

The city will “walk in 1776” with authentic food, crafts of the day, period costume judging and folk music on the courthouse sidewalks. Downtown Upper Sandusky, N. and S. Sandusky Streets and Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky.

July 4

Be a part of the community celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Confluence Park, 721 W. Main St., Zanesville.

July 5

Greenville’s America 250 Community Picnic

The movie stars actress Beverly D’Angelo, a Columbus native. Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., Columbus.

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

America’s 250th Parade

Join the City of Ashland and Ashland County to celebrate America’s 250th birthday through historic floats, dedications and more. Downtown Ashland, Main St., Ashland.

Celebrating Our Heritage Festival

Enjoy live music, carnival games, a horseshoe pitching tournament, fishing derby, frisbee golf tournament and fireworks! Greenville City Park, 108 Ave. F, Greenville.

Ohio Goes to the Movies: 1776 (1972)

This blockbuster movie was directed by Trumbull County’s Chris Columbus. Robins Theatre, 160 E. Market St., Warren

July 11

Delaware County Homecoming Picnic

Festivities will bring together the community while celebrating its heritage. Brown County Fairgrounds, 325 W. State St., Georgetown

Independence Parade on July 4

Unite with local residents and surrounding towns to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with events honoring this historic milestone. Downtown Upper Sandusky, Main St., Upper Sandusky

Marietta’s 250 Celebration

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a parade and a picnic. Front St., Marietta.

Ken Howard (Kent State University) portrayed Thomas Jefferson, and Cleveland’s Howard DaSilva portrayed Ben Franklin. Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe.

July 10

Guernsey County District Public Library Community Picnic

Enjoy live music, food, games and fellowship. Bring a dish or grab a bite from local food trucks. Guernsey County District Public Library, 63500 Byesville Rd., Cambridge.

Celebrate the Declaration of Independence with live music, food trucks, games and activities in the Imagination Garden. Delaware County District Library, 7171 Gooding Blvd., Delaware.

Ohio’s Homecoming & Signature Picnic: Toledo

The beautiful grounds of the Toledo Museum of Art will be the setting for this signature event. Toledo Art Museum, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo.

FOR

HISTORY SPACE

Break into the Ohio State Reformatory, the 1896 prison that became home to The Shawshank Redemption.

July 11

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Spider-Man (2002)

The movie features a cameo and music performed by Stark County native Macy Gray. Massillon’s art museum, library and arts council will cross-promote various art forms (film/ theater and music) at the screening. Lions Lincoln Theatre, 156 Lincoln Way E., Massillon.

July 17–18

8th Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest

Celebrate Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River and Ohio’s freshwater legacy with paddling, history and fun. Nautica Waterfront District, 2398 Sycamore St., Cleveland

Highland County Celebration

Celebrate the heritage of Highland County and America. Various locations in Highland County, 119 Governor Foraker Pl., Hillsboro.

July 24

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Draft Day (2014)

The film was made in Ohio (Cleveland, Aurora, Kent) and stars Jennifer Garner (Denison University). Martins Ferry Veterans Memorial Recreation Center, 401 S. Fourth St., Martins Ferry.

July 29–August 9

America 250-Ohio at the Ohio State Fair: Celebrating America/ America’s Big Birthday Party

The 2026 Ohio State Fair will celebrate America’s birthday “Ohio-Style” with events, contests and patriotic décor. Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus.

August 1–2

Declaration 250

The event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence on Aug. 2, 1776. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay.

August 10

Ohio Goes to the Movies: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Director and producer Steven Spielberg was born in Cincinnati. Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre, 1895 Elm Rd. N.E., Warren.

August 14

Ohio Goes to the Movies: A Raisin In The Sun (1961)

The movie stars Cleveland actor Ruby Dee. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati.

August 14-16

Fort Jennings Fort Fest

Don’t miss this military appreciation event with free fun and entertainment, including military reenactments, military vehicles and kids’ activities. Fort Jennings Park, 100 E. First St., Fort Jennings

September 5

Family Field Day

Kick off fall with games, obstacle courses and fun for all ages. Guernsey County District Public Library, 63500 Byesville Rd., Cambridge.

September 10–20

Ohio Open Doors

Discover Ohio’s amazing heritage as historic buildings and landmarks across the state open their doors to you for special tours and events. Sites throughout Ohio.

September 12

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Broken Blossoms (1919)

The movie stars actor Lillian Gish, who was born in Springfield. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton.

September 19

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Unstoppable (2010)

The film was partially shot in Jefferson County and used the Market Street bridge, next to the amphitheater where the film will be screened. Public Library of Steubenville, Fort Steuben Amphitheater, 407 S. Fourth St., Steubenville.

September 19-20

America 250-Ohio Ohio Goes to the Movies Train Film Fest

A part of the Depot Film Series, enjoy classic films featuring trains or depots with Ohio connections — a unique blend of cinema, history and local pride on screen. Dennison Railroad Depot, 400 Center St., Dennison.

September 27

Play Ball!: The Ohio Village Muffins vs. The Harvey Cornhuskers

See an old-fashioned baseball game when the Ohio Village Muffins face the Harvey Cornhuskers. Harvey One-Room School, 1120 Caldwell Rd., Bucyrus

October 2

Ohio Goes to the Movies: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Director and writer Wes Craven is from Cleveland. Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, 321 S. Fourth St., Ironton.

Ohio Goes to the Movies: Zombieland (2009)

Actor Woody Harrelson graduated from Lebanon High School in Warren County. KeyBank Discovery Theater at Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo.

October 10

Ohio Author Festival

Meet authors from Ohio and beyond. Enjoy guest speakers, workshops and activities for all ages at this exciting literary gathering. Guernsey County District Public Library, 63500 Byesville Rd., Cambridge.

Ulysses S. Grant Comes to Ottawa County

Dr. Curt Fields, historian and re-enactor, will speak on Grant’s military history as well as his years as President. The program will be part of the Society’s annual Fall Festival/Civil War Encampment. Wolcott Keeper’s House, 9999 E. Bayshore Rd., Lakeside Marblehead

October 16–18

55th Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival

Celebrate fall in Coshocton with apple butter, live music, 100-plus vendors, kids’ crafts, history tours and kettle-stirring fun over three days. Historic Roscoe Village, 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton.

EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S STORY in Clermont County

Clermont County is celebrating America 250 with vibrant public murals, historic storytelling, and a new passport highlighting museums and heritage sites. From colorful artwork, to hands-on history experiences, the county is bringing America’s story to life.

Come explore, collect your stamps, and be part of this once-in-a-generation celebration in Clermont County!

SOUTHWEST OHIO BARN MURAL

Celebrate All Year

Monthly Themes

In 2026, we will celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring all the ways that Ohio has contributed to U.S. history for 250+ years. Each month will focus on a different theme that reflects Ohio’s unique impact. Starting in January with Ohio’s Firsts & Originals to December’s Future Ohio: Projecting Ohio in 2076, we’ll have a guide of celebrations across the state — from music, to sports, to county fairs.

Revolutionary War Veterans Graves Project

Help America 250-Ohio honor the veterans from the Revolutionary War. This project seeks to identify, document and map the final resting places of an estimated 7,000 Revolutionary War patriots buried in Ohio. We ask for your input as we connect with Ohio’s rich history and ensure that the sacrifices of these patriots are remembered for generations to come.

Heritage Trees: Planting History

America 250-Ohio will plant a white oak tree in all of Ohio’s 88 counties to honor our state’s role in the nation’s founding and commemorate the history of the location where it’s planted. By planting these trees in meaningful locations, Ohioans are actively preserving their local heritage while contributing to environmental sustainability. As they grow, these trees will stand as a testament to Ohio’s commitment to conservation.

Under-Told Stories

Stay Connected to America 250-Ohio

Join America 250-Ohio in collecting a strong, rich ecosystem of stories that only family members tell, that only a certain segment of our community knows about, and that highlight the spectrum of experiences and contributions to Ohio’s evolution over 250+ years. All Ohioans are invited to participate in this unique opportunity to share their personal stories, family histories and community experiences.

so much to explore

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

These destinations make the season bright, whether you want to walk the halls of historic homes, spend an evening among millions of lights or immerse yourself in Christmas cheer. By Maggie Amacher, Abby

and Jim Vickers

Jenkins

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS, TOLEDO ZOO

The hush of the forest; the rush of the river; the vastness of the sky. In the heart of Ohio’s Hocking Hills, every step unveils a new wonder. Experience the joy of of adventure and the whisper of wilderness. Hike ancient trails carved by time, discover frozen waterfalls, or simply sit by a cozy fire and watch the world slow down. Here, nature calls you to explore — and to reconnect with what matters most. Whether you seek the rush of exploration or the serenity of a sunset, the Hocking Hills welcomes you with open arms. Let the wonders unfold.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Historic Homes

Those who helped build Ohio and the nation are remembered at these historic estates that offer a glimpse of what life was like during the time their original owners lived there. From the former home of the 19th President of the United States to the Akron mansion of a tire magnate to smaller private homes of business leaders of their time, these properties provide the opportunity to step into the past, and the holiday season is a great time to visit.

Rutherford B. Hayes Home • Fremont

Rutherford B. Hayes and his family lived at Spiegel Grove both before and after his time as president. Each year during the holidays, visitors to the Rutherford B. Hayes Home

KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS

and Presidential Museums can experience a bit of what Christmas was like during that era. The 31-room mansion is decorated in a historically accurate manner, while Charles Dickens-themed Hayes Home Holiday tours are offered on the evenings of Dec. 19 and 20. Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont 43420, rbhayes.org

Kingwood Center Gardens •  Mansfield

Charles Kelley King amassed his wealth through his work for the Ohio Brass Co. and constructed a beautiful estate in Mansfield that visitors can now visit year-round. The holidays bring decorations both inside the

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

historic mansion and across the grounds at Kingwood Center Gardens. The annual Christmas at Kingwood event (running Nov. 29 through Dec. 30 in 2025) features twinkling lights, tours of the historic mansion

and festively decorated gardens. 50 N. Trimble Rd., Mansfield 44906, kingwoodcenter.org

Arms Family Museum • Youngstown

Wilford and Olive Arms moved into this residence on what was then Youngstown’s millionaire’s row in 1905. Each year during the holidays, seven rooms of the home — now owned by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society — are filled with an array of vintage holiday decorations. (Memories of Christmas Past runs Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 in 2025.) Items include pieces from the museum’s collection, private collectors and the personal collection of Anthony Worrellia, designer of the annual exhibit. 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44502, mahoninghistory.org

Belmont County Victorian

Mansion Museum • Barnesville

John and Sarah Bradfield built their Barnesville mansion on the corner of Walton Avenue and Chestnut Street between

1888 and 1893, capping off its completion with a 300-guest summer party. Today, the Belmont County Historical Society owns the Victorian-era home, which spans 26 rooms and looks much as it did when its original owners resided there. During the holidays, the home is decorated for Christmas mansion tours (offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Nov. 1 and Dec. 21). 532 N. Chestnut St., Barnesville 43713, belmontcountymuseum.com

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens • Akron

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family once called this Akron estate their home. These days, the holiday season brings Deck the Hall, an annual event (running Nov. 28 to 30, Dec. 3 to 23 and Dec. 26 to 30 in 2025) that features self-guided tours of the decorated mansion and holiday lights displayed across the grounds. Visitors can also enjoy gingerbread cookies and other refreshments at Molly’s Courtyard Cafe. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron 44303, stanhywet.org

STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS

Night Lights

The month of November brings early darkness. Soon after, holiday lights begin to brighten the longest nights of the year. Across our state, traditionally warm-weather attractions embrace the evening chill, creating illuminated spectacles that capture our imagination and help us fuel up on holiday cheer. From elaborate displays at zoos across our state to a drivethrough experience at one of southwest Ohio’s signature outdoor arts destinations, these attractions will light up your season.

Akron Zoo • Akron

More than 1 million lights draw visitors to Akron Zoo’s Wild Lights each holiday season. The attraction features a variety of themed areas, and Mrs. C’s Sweets dishes out s’mores and other treats. The event runs on select dates between Nov. 28 and Dec. 30 (check website for more information) and includes appearances by The Grinch throughout De-

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

cember and visits from Santa through Dec. 23. 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron 44307, akronzoo.org

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum • Hamilton

The monumental sculptures that call this Butler County arts destination home are enough to capture the imagination, but the holiday season brings the joy of Pyramid Hill Lights (running daily except Mondays from Nov. 14 to Jan. 4 this year). The drive-through experience takes visitors along a 2-mile route decked out for the holidays with over 1 million lights, as well as installations by local artists. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 45013, pyramidhill.org

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati

The PNC Festival of Lights transforms the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden with 5 million LED lights, themed displays and glowing animal lanterns. (It runs daily Nov. 20 through Jan. 4, except for Thanks-

FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

giving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.)

Holiday-season visitors can ride the North Polar Express, spot the Fiona fairies in Fairyland, catch a black-light puppet show and marvel at the dazzling display on Swan Lake. Seasonal treats like the fan-favorite Hot Hippo drink add to the festivities. 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati 45220, cincinnatizoo.org

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens • Columbus

Conservatory Aglow returns to our capital city nightly from Nov. 22 through Jan. 4 (except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Highlights include a whimsical penguin village, a glowing boxwood cottage and a walk-through Candy Land board game, as well as the 100-foot tunnel of light and a tree decorated with 1,400 ornaments. Live entertainment, which in the past has included fire jugglers and stilt walkers, is scheduled on select nights and adds to the festive atmosphere. 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus 43203, fpconservatory.org

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium • Toledo

Celebrate the holiday season at Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium from Nov. 21 through Dec. 31 (check website for more information). This pe-

rennial favorite features displays of more than 1 million twinkling lights and over 200 illuminated animal images across the zoo grounds. Attendees can sip festive drinks in the Winter Village and zoom down the ice slide as part of the fun. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 43609, toledozoo.org

Enchanted Suites, Holiday Feasts, Unforgettable Memories

HOLIDAY TRAVEL On Tour

Save the dates for these traveling holiday shows on stages across Ohio this season.

Holiday Favorites

Whether you love Ralphie Parker, The Grinch or elaborate model train displays, holiday attractions that capture the imagination await across the state. From a home turned museum that was made famous in one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time to a destination built entirely around holiday nostalgia to a communitywide effort to transform their town into Charles Dickens-era England, these spots capture the spirit of the season and have become beloved traditions for Ohio families.

House From A Christmas Story • Cleveland

Those who have ever dreamt of stepping into the Parker family’s living room can do so at the House From A Christmas Story in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. Restored to look as it did in the 1983 film “A Christmas Story,” tours of the home provide plenty of opportunities for photo ops, including one with the movie’s famous leg lamp. Across the street, a museum features a collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the film. 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland 44109, housefromachristmasstory.com

NOV. 29 Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour

This Grammy-winning a cappella quintet visits Nationwide Arena in Columbus for a festive night of stunning harmonies and inventive arrangements. The group’s 2016 album, “A Pentatonix Christmas,” continues to be a seasonal favorite, and the group’s performance promises both chart-topping hits and holiday classics. ptxofficial.com

DEC. 2 & 18 Straight No Chaser: Holiday Road

This nine-member a cappella group brings its signature blend of harmonies and humor to Columbus’ Palace Theatre on Dec. 2 and Cleveland’s KeyBank State Theatre on Dec. 18. Known for playfully reinventing pop hits and holiday classics, Straight No Chaser has built a devoted following and sold millions of albums worldwide. sncmusic.com

DEC. 7 & 11 Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2025

Join saxophonist Dave Koz and his friends Jonathan Butler, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams and Kayla Waters as they celebrate the Christmas season with jazz renditions of holiday favorites, as well as original tunes. The show will stop at Cleveland’s KeyBank State Theatre on Dec. 7 and Columbus’ Palace Theatre on Dec. 11. davekoz.com

DEC. 13 & 20–21 Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas

The Grammy-nominated pianist and songwriter brings his Christmas tour to Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center for the Arts on Dec. 13 and Cleveland’s Hanna Theatre on Dec. 20 and 21. Born and raised in Cleveland, Jim Brickman mixes Christmas favorites and his own hits in an evening that includes guest stars Anne Cochran and Luke McMaster jimbrickman.com

HOUSE FROM A CHRISTMAS STORY

Castle Noel • Medina

Artist Mark Klaus and his wife, Dana, opened this year-round celebration of Christmas in a former church in downtown Medina. (It’s billed as the largest indoor year-round Christmas display in the nation.)

Since 2013, Castle Noel has taken visitors on

immersive tours that feature authentic props from movies such as “Elf” and Jim Carrey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and holiday window displays that once appeared at New York City department stores. Visitors can also take a trip down a slide like the one Ralphie took in “A Christmas Story.” 260 S. Court St., Medina 44256, castlenoel.com

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Trains • Cincinnati

Union Terminal has long been Cincinnati’s most famous train station. Today, the art deco landmark houses the Cincinnati

Make 2025 Holiday Memories in

HOLIDAY JUNCTION WITH THE DUKE ENERGY TRAINS

Christmas Suites

Available November 14 - January 4th

4 rooms available: One King Suite and three 2-Queen Suites

Themed rooms include a sweet treat, hot cocoa bar, and Holiday decorations

The hotel is decorated with Christmas decor top-to-bottom!

7 days a week all year. *small fee for

During the holiday season we offer a shuttle to the Grand River Cellar’s The GRC Christmas Bar and Debonne Vineyard’s Rudolph’s Revenge Christmas Pop-Bar located in The Grand River Valley!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison 181 Water Tower Dr. Madison,  Ohio 44057 (440)307-4449

HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Museum Center and, each holiday season, it plays host to Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Trains. A Cincinnati tradition, the elaborate train display features 300 rail cars and 50 locomotives traversing a snow-covered scene. 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati 45203, cincymuseum.org

Yuletide Village • Waynesville

Warren County hosts the Ohio Renaissance Festival each year, which runs over the course of several fall weekends. Once the holidays arrive, Yuletide Village takes over on Fridays and Saturdays between Nov. 28 and Dec. 20. Walk the streets of the Ohio Renaissance Festival grounds decorated in holiday lights and browse the marketplace vendors and artisan shops. A fun maze, the chance to visit with Santa and holiday treats are also among the offerings. 10542 E. St. Rte. 73, Waynesville 45068, yuletidevillage.com

Dickens Victorian Village • Cambridge

Thanks to Cambridge’s 19th-century architecture and the efforts of local volunteers, the city’s annual Dickens Victorian Village has been delighting holiday-season visitors since 2005. Running from Nov. 1 to Jan. 1, the public-art installation features more than 100 scenes that depict life in Victorian-era England during the time of A Christmas Carol author Charles Dickens. A massive light show on the Guernsey County courthouse that is synchronized to music repeats throughout the evening and is part of the fun as well. 708 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge 43725, dickensvictorianvillage.com

DICKENS VICTORIAN VILLAGE

COLUMBUS

Whether you want to see lights, shop or explore with the family, unwrap a bundle of holiday fun in our capital city this season. By Jason Brill

COLUMBUS

Holiday Lights

Easton Town Center once again kicks off the holidays with its Grand Illumination tree lighting Nov. 14, followed by a Menorah lighting Dec. 15. Throughout the season, holiday shoppers can visit with Santa Claus and enjoy more than 2 million lights spread over multiple Easton Town Center properties.

“People might get overwhelmed while holiday shopping,” says Emily Garvey, Easton’s marketing director who leads planning for the center’s holiday events, “so they can just come and stroll along and be part of the festivities. It gets you in the spirit.”

Holiday magic will also fill the sky above The Yard at Easton Town Center, just not in the form of a jolly old man and his reindeer. The Easton Holiday Drone Show on Dec. 11 features 200 remotely controlled drones flying in unison, creating patterns such as Santa Claus and poinsettias.

During the Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on Dec. 4, our state leaders take second billing to Santa Claus, who is welcomed to the stage before a switch is flipped to illuminate a 50-foot tree. Set within the statehouse’s 4,068-square-foot atrium, the tree features both classic and contemporary decorations. Mike Rupert, communications manager at the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, which manages events at the statehouse, says the tree lighting dates to about 1905.

“There’s a lot of tradition to it,” he says. “It’s free and open to the public, and it’s a great way to kick off the season.”

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens arrives Nov. 22 through Jan. 4, dazzling visitors with holiday displays and thousands of lights. Check out the whimsical pen-

SEASON OF CELEBRATIONS AT COSI

guin village, walk through a 100-foot-long light tunnel and see a tree decorated with 1,400 ornaments. This year also brings the addition of rentable igloos for enjoying food and drinks in the Bonsai Courtyard. Embrace your wild side at the Columbus Zoo’s Wildlights from Nov. 21 through Jan. 4. New for this year are 10 light sculptures in the zoo’s new North America Trek.

Family Events

Science is baked into everything COSI does. That spirit colors the museum’s Season of Celebrations holiday tree exhibit, where visitors might find an origami tree that hides a lesson about mathematics or one with a radio built into it. The 60 themed trees (50 designed by local nonprofits and businesses and 10 designed by COSI staff) decorate the museum’s traveling exhibition space Nov. 22 through Jan. 4. Season of Celebrations dates to the 1960s, and after a 23year hiatus, it returned in 2022.

“We felt this call back to tradition and a desire to repeat what we had done in the past,” says Josh Sarver, COSI’s chief experience officer and vice president of exhibits and programs. “Going to COSI was a family tradition for us when I was a kid. Now I can bring my son to have that experience.”

Downtown Columbus’ Wanderlights features decorated trees and holiday displays. This walking trail through downtown starts at Columbus Commons, which is decked out with shining lights. Follow the lights down West Town Street to spot over 20 life-size glowing penguins that guide you along the sidewalk toward the Scioto Mile riverfront. Unlike most light displays, Wanderlights runs well past the

OHIO

CHICAGO NASHVILLE COLUMBUS

COLUMBUS

holidays, spanning Nov. 21 through Feb. 15.

“The idea is to not make it solely about the holiday season, but to embrace winter and make things feel interesting in an otherwise dark season,” says Ashley Myers, director of Columbus Commons.

Head to Bicentennial Park Dec. 6 for WinterFest Columbus. The festival features live music acts, which have included Austin & the Syd Experience and the Rumpke Mountain Boys in past years. Don’t miss the breweries and food trucks on-site too. Soak up the daytime sights at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens during Holiday Blooms. Check out the exhibit’s five vignettes where over 1,000 poinsettias spanning 10 varieties are paired with other plants.

Arts and Shopping

Finding the perfect gift is tough, but German Village is a great place to start looking, especially during the annual Village Lights on Dec. 7. To give back to the neighborhood’s small businesses, residents go all out decorating their homes with lights.

Rachel Lewellen, the German Village Society’s communications and membership engagement manager who helps organize the event, says some of the best moments are found strolling the 233-acre neighborhood’s brick streets.

“There’s a surprise around every corner,” she says. “A resident might have a choir singing in their front yard. The business’ will be handing out hot chocolate or roasted nuts. It’s a beautiful time.”

Ohio Designer Craftsmen’s Columbus Winterfair

has been a great way to shop handmade gifts for nearly 50 years. Held Dec. 5 through 7 at the Ohio Expo Center’s Bricker Building, the fair features over 300 artists from 22 states. There is also a gourmet marketplace with farmers-market-style food vendors and a wine cafe. Part of what makes Winterfair so special, according to fair coordinator Roxanne McGovern, is the number of artists who have been part of the event every year since 1976.

“At Winterfair, you are shopping from the artist,” McGovern says of the annual event. “You can talk to them about custom work or different sizes. It is a real opportunity for art lovers.”

Downtown Columbus’ Wandernights brings extra cheer to the Wanderlights display at Columbus Commons on Dec. 5 , 6, 12 , 13, 19 and 20. On these nights, visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate, visit with Santa Claus and check out the Good Market at Columbus Commons.

Knock out your holiday shopping while strolling through one of Columbus’ hippest shopping and arts spots during the Holiday Hop on Dec. 6. This festive edition of Short North Arts District’s Gallery Hop sees High Street decked out with lights, street vendors and extended hours for many local shops.

WHEN YOU GO

For more information about these and other events in Columbus this holiday season, visit experiencecolumbus.com.

Holiday Lights

Conservatory Aglow fpconservatory.org

Grand Illumination and Holiday Drone Show eastontowncenter.com

Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting ohiostatehouse.org

Wildlights columbuszoo.org

Family Events

Holiday Blooms fpconservatory.org

Season of Celebrations cosi.org

Wanderlights downtowncolumbus.com

WinterFest Columbus winterfestcolumbus.com

Arts and Shopping

Columbus Winterfair winterfair.org

Holiday Hop shortnorth.org

Village Lights germanvillage.com

Wandernights downtowncolumbus.com

COLUMBUS WINTERFAIR

DESTINATION SHOPPING

This holiday season, find the perfect gift while exploring shops and other attractions across our state that invite you to slow down, browse and enjoy the festive spirit.

Logan County

Experience the holidays in Logan County, where festive celebrations, winter sports, breweries, shops and more are ready to deliver a magical experience.

Bellefontaine, Lakeview and West Liberty each celebrate the season with enchanting Christmas parades, horse-drawn carriage rides and appearances from Santa every weekend. Visitors can meet reindeer and explore streets lined with locally owned shops offering unique gifts and handmade treasures, making Logan County a top destination for holiday festivities.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find winter adventure waiting at Mad River Mountain, home to Ohio’s largest skiable terrain, numerous trails, a tubing park and terrain parks. Also, take time this season to explore the largest cave system in the state, Ohio Caverns, and check out its many dazzling crystal formations.

Warm up with a beer at Brewfontaine, named the No. 1 Beer Bar in Ohio, or sample local pours at Indian Lake Brewing Co. and Roundhouse Depot Brewing Co., the first brewery in Bellefontaine.

Sweeten your visit with a stop at Queen of Hearts Fine Chocolates, a great destination for luxurious chocolate and curated gifts, or Marie’s Candies, which opened its doors in 1956 and still sells some of the best small-batch chocolates.

With a lineup like this, it’s easy to see why Logan County is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season. Visit experiencelogancounty.com for more information.

Der Dutchman Berlin Farmstead Dutch Valley

Athens

Athens is full of distinctive shops offering unique gifts, souvenirs and creative finds. Local businesses reflect the eclectic spirit of the community, making it the perfect place to discover something memorable this season.

Show off your Athens allegiance with stylish apparel and souvenirs. Browse trendy looks at 10 West Clothing or find Ohio University gear at the Ohio Bobcat Fanstore. Cross Court Cards & Gifts offers a diverse selection of apparel, gifts and stationery items, while Ohio Is Home puts a hip, modern spin on local pride through its selection of hats, shirts and other items.

Athens has handcrafted, artistic treasures. Beads And Things

specializes in jewelry and craft supplies, while Kindred Market highlights ethically sourced goods. It also features the Kindred Cafe, where you can stop for a bite between shopping. Be sure to check out Passion Works Studio for art pieces and River of Time Boutique for posters, prints and jewelry. Plus, don’t miss a visit to White’s Mill, a historic landmark that sells local gifts.

Discover quirky shops like Athens Underground, which is filled with vintage finds, or Bleeding Heart Boutique, which curates retro styles for your wardrobe. For those in the market for mystical goods, Gaias Realms is the place to be.

Next time you visit Athens, set aside time to explore, because every shop holds a piece of the town’s creative spirit. For more information, visit athensohio.com.

Make It a Merry-Etta Christmas

Discover the charm of the season in historic downtown Marietta — where every moment sparkles with holiday magic.

Stroll brick-lined streets aglow with twinkling lights. Snuggle up for horsedrawn carriage rides beneath the stars. Shop locally owned boutiques brimming with gifts and cheer. Sing along at festive concerts, visit Santa’s House, and marvel at the beauty of historic homes and churches dressed for the holidays. Join the parades, sip hot cocoa, and celebrate traditions old and new. This Christmas, collect your Merry-Etta Moments — and make memories that shine all season long. Visit our web site for a listing of Marietta holiday events: MariettaOhio.org/events

Zanesville and Muskingum County

Find holiday fun paired with local creations at downtown Zanesville’s First Friday Art Walk. Check out Muskingum County’s booming artist community by shopping from local artisans and vendors Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. Artists specializing in all mediums will be set up in the downtown, offering beautiful, handmade holiday gifts.

Visitors can also interact with the more than a dozen artists and artisans participating and take time to learn about where each product came from or how it was made. After browsing and shopping, be sure to dig into the dinner options in town, which span casual eats to fine dining, with some locations offering international fare, as well as wine and bourbon tastings.

Holiday magic is also on the docket for the evening as Visit Zanesville hosts exclusive events, including horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides, free activities for kids and visits with beloved holiday characters that are ready to pose for photos. Santa Claus’ house is also stationed downtown, and the dazzling lightshow at the Muskingum County courthouse is not to be missed.

A 26-foot lit ornament tree is a great place for a family photo, and it’s the only one of its kind in Ohio. Round out the evening at downtown’s Zane’s Landing Park, where a lighted trail is waiting for you to explore. For more information, go to visitzanesville.com.

Lehman’s

Voted the best destination in Amish Country, make Lehman’s part of your holiday shopping plans this season. Started by the late Jay Lehman in 1955, this shop in Kidron embraces the simple life with thousands of products for your home and garden.

The extensive kitchenware selection spans food prepping tools, cookware and tableware, canning supplies and hosting items that can beautify your holiday table. Other offerings include puzzles and games for all ages, as well as an extensive collection of camping and outdoor supplies.

No matter who you are shopping for this season, be it the homesteaders, history buffs or kids (and kids at heart) in your life, Lehman’s features Amish Country’s largest selection of products made in the United States. It also sells many goods made by members of the local Amish community.

The holiday season is one of the best times to shop, and the festive feeling is palpable as you wander through the store. Find great gifts to give this season, including crackling wood stoves to warm the heart and home, roasted nuts and Christmas-themed decorations to make the season merry and bright.

Lehman’s is not just a place to shop and cross items off a wish list, but it’s also a place to gather with family and make memories together, all while embracing a taste of the simple life. For more information, visit lehmans.com.

Mahoning County

Located in northeast Ohio, Mahoning County is home to a vibrant antique shopping scene that draws treasure hunters and vintage lovers alike. With 18 unique shops scattered across the Youngstown area, visitors can spend hours uncovering rare gems, timeless furniture and nos-

Find Your

Lehman’s in Kidron helps you embrace a simpler life (above). Mahoning County is home to 18 antique stores (opposite page).

in FindlayHoliday Spirit

Get in the holiday spirit in Findlay! Families won’t want to miss wagon rides through Downtown, delicious treats, and, of course, a visit with Santa at Kiwanis Santa’s House. Bundle up for a ride on NWORRP’s North Pole Express. Make it a weekend to remember by visiting Twinkle Nights, a drivethrough holiday lights experience at the Hancock County Faigrounds! Get more information about these holiday events and more at VisitFindlay.com.

Begin

talgic decor that captures the charm of yesteryear. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual browser, Mahoning County’s antique shops offer something for everyone. Each location has its own personality and carefully curated items. Shoppers can expect everything from mid-century modern furniture and vintage clothing to fine china, art, rustic farmhouse pieces and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Many dealers are happy to share the stories behind their finds, adding character and meaning to each purchase.

Some shops focus on specific eras or styles, while others span decades of history in a single space. Several offer restoration services, helping you preserve your treasures for years to come.

With the holiday season approaching, antique shopping in Mahoning County is a perfect way to find meaningful gifts that can’t be found in bigbox stores. Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to explore, with all shops open and special events planned. Plan a festive outing, discover unique pieces and give a gift with history this Christmas. For additional information or to download an antique guide, visit exploremahoning.com.

Marietta

Make the holidays magical in downtown Marietta this season. Visit Dec. 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. for the First Friday: Moonlight Madness, where the city’s

locally owned businesses are ripe for exploring and feature extended hours, giveaways and discounts. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off the holidays while exploring the city’s decked-out downtown.

Moonlight Madness isn’t the only way to feel the cheer this season in Marietta. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the charming downtown during the first three Saturdays of December. Plus, check out historic house and church tours that are exhibiting some of the area’s oldest properties. Experience the Victorian Christmas Tours at The Castle on Dec. 11 and the Marietta Christmas Tour of Churches on Dec. 12.

Parents can bring their kids along to the Santa House to visit with the jolly old elf at East Muskingum Park, located along the riverfront. Holiday parades and community celebrations are also on the schedule, bringing people together for holiday cheer.

To experience the sounds of the season, visit for holiday performances and concerts at venues like Peoples Bank Theatre in downtown Marietta or at the Ohio Valley Opry, located just 14 miles outside of town. Plus, local businesses are hosting plenty of special events and workshops, so be sure to stop in for shopping and to brush up on your skills. For more information, visit mariettaohio.org.

Scioto County

Find gifts for everyone on your list in Portsmouth this holiday season. Boutique clothing and accessories line

For the old soul on your list or for the one who loves

Season's greetings

the space at Trendz Within, including fan gear for your favorite team or cozy sweaters to ward off the winter chill. Gigi’s Kiss of Style features a selection of trendy clothing items and accessories.

Marietta’s holiday calendar is packed with events (opposite page). Portsmouth has a wide range of stores (above). Chillicothe offers plenty of seasonal activities (right).

one-of-a-kind gifts, head to Portsmouth’s antique shops. Check out a wide selection of antiques and vintage finds across three floors at Ghosts in the Attic or visit Unique Antiques to find more than 80 vendors selling once-loved treasures, as well as handmade items like jewelry, soap and candles. Speaking of old school, Haskins House Records offers vinyl records spanning various genres.

For a unique experience, stop into Fourth Space Games. The shop sells trading cards and video games across nearly every platform. Specialty gifts can be found around town too, with shirts, mugs, books and more available at places like the town’s Welcome Center gift shop or the Shawnee State Park Lodge.

For shopping and fun in one, stop by Portsmouth Winterfest. This charming holiday festival takes over Market Square Park during the month of December and hosts makers markets with plenty of vendors, as well as a gift shop put on by Friends of Portsmouth. For more information, visit explorescioto.com.

Ross County and Chillicothe

This holiday season, Chillicothe invites you to experience shopping, dining and festive fun in Ohio’s foothills. Downtown comes alive with charming boutiques and locally owned shops that make gift-giving easy and meaningful. From unique home decor and artisan goods to stylish clothing and one-of-a-kind treasures, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list while supporting small businesses.

After browsing the shops, warm up with a delicious meal at one of Chillicothe’s many restaurants. Cozy cafes, welcoming pubs and chef-inspired eateries line the historic downtown streets, offering everything from hearty comfort food to flavorful international cuisine. Pair your shopping trip with a stop at a local brewery or bakery, and you’ll discover why food lovers return to Chillicothe season after season.

The town’s holiday spirit is unmistakable. Twinkling light displays and festive decorations create the perfect backdrop for your visit. Seasonal events add to the magic, with an outdoor ice-skating rink, holiday concerts and many other family-friendly activities that celebrate the joy of the season. Whether you’re strolling beneath glowing lights, enjoying a festive meal or crossing names off your holiday shopping list, Chillicothe offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes the season feel extra special.

Plan your visit and let Chillicothe’s unique blend of shopping, dining and holiday charm brighten your season. For more information, go to visitchillicotheohio.com.

Dutchman Hospitality Group

Shop for the season at Carlisle Gifts and Dutch Valley Gifts — two delightful stores that offer three floors of treasures and holiday cheer to explore — and enjoy free gift-wrapping with every purchase.

Country charm meets boutique shopping at Carlisle Gifts in downtown Walnut Creek. Step inside this Victorian-style shop with its grand staircase and elegant decorations, and you’ll find yourself in a holiday wonderland. Stop by Nov. 6 through 8 for a Christmas Open House with special discounts and giveaways, coinciding with

Unwrap the holiday

the village’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday evening. Visit after Thanksgiving for Black Friday weekend savings or for the biggest sale of the season Dec. 12 and 13. Plus, visit Dec. 5 and 6 to see the Walnut Creek Community Association’s popular Journey to Bethlehem event.

Set inside a beautifully repurposed barn adorned with bows, bells and twinkling lights, Dutch Valley Gifts provides a unique holiday shopping experience full of enchantment and whimsy just steps away from dining, lodging and live entertainment at the Ohio Star Theater.

Browse carefully curated displays to find unique gifts for everyone on your list, including boutique clothing, home decor, quilts and keepsakes. Enjoy special sales and open houses throughout the season, including on Nov. 14 during the second annual Dutch Valley Christmas Tree Lighting event. Plus, don’t miss the Dutch Valley Gifts Fall Fashion Show on Nov. 18. For more information, visit dhgroup.com.

Findlay

Celebrate the holiday season in Findlay, and discover local shops selling handmade goods, home decor, clothing, gifts and more.

Fend off the dry air of winter with a locally made goat’s milk soap or lotion from Hand + Home Co. The shop sells natural skincare products in addition to candles, pottery, home decor, coffees, teas and greeting cards. With more than 50 vendors represented, locating the perfect gift will be a breeze.

Nearby, you’ll find RooBarb Studios, where you can shop a

selection of necklaces, rings and hand-stamped bracelets to give a gift with a personalize touch. Burlwick & Co. can help customize any interior space with professional design expertise and an inventory of home goods and gifts.

For the little ones in your life, give the gift of fun with a treasure from Smarty Pants Toys & Gifts. The shop offers a range of toys and games, from coloring books and stuffed animals to puzzles and card games. Book a

create-your-own-slime experience for a bit of extra fun. And don’t forget about boutiques. Trends on Main, Shimmery Belle Boutique and river + road each offer a wide variety of women’s clothing and accessories to help you find your own unique style or shop for someone else’s.

With so many shops to explore, Findlay is the perfect place to find something truly special. For more information, go to visitfindlay.com. ●

Find treasures at Carlisle Gifts and Dutch Valley Gifts (opposite page). Visit Findlay for all your shopping needs (above).

MILESTONES

Columbus Celebrates Armistice Day

On Nov. 11, 1918, Ohio’s capital city joined communities across the United States in spontaneous celebration marking the end of World War I.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on July 28, 1914, sparked a bloody worldwide global conflict that lasted more than four years. The end of the Great War on Nov. 11, 1918, spurred celebrations around the world and across the nation, including in our state capital.

The Ohio State Journal was the first Columbus newspaper to report news of the armistice that brought an end to World War I, followed by coverage of the celebratory festivities from The Columbus Dispatch.

“Columbus Monday was given over to exultation,

delight, ecstasy and triumph. Her sons and daughters, 200,000 strong, from street, window and housetop acclaimed … the end of the war,” the paper reported in its Nov. 11, 1918, edition.

Factory work halted and storefronts were shuttered as thousands of residents of Columbus joined improvised parades through downtown’s Main and High streets that morning. An official parade organized by the chamber of commerce started at 2:30 p.m. and prominently featured the Columbus Reserve Guards and the barracks band.

Starting at the Ohio State University campus, the procession picked up marchers as it headed south, growing to a staggering size that stretched for multiple blocks. Citizens marched with flags and banners, taking pause only to mourn fallen soldiers, removing hats and bowing heads during a memorial at Broad and High streets.

“The lid that throttled pent-up enthusiasm during the last few fateful days was blown off,” The Columbus Dispatch reported. “Bellowing whistles, screeching sirens and jubilant shouts of early risers ushered in the greatest Monday in the world’s history.” — Erin Finan

Columbus residents celebrate the end of World War I in the streets of the city on Nov. 11, 1918.

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Spice Up Your Holidays

BY KIRSTEN ABBEY

| Spice up the season with a steaming glass of mulled wine from an Ohio winery. With a long history dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, spiced wine is a classic choice for the holidays.

In ancient times, recipes for these wines usually featured red wine, though the Greeks often used white. The wine would then be cooked with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron, pepper, and honey added for a touch of sweetness. Nowadays, mulled wine is made with red wine, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, with citrus notes of orange or lemon to lighten the flavor.

a slightly spiced honey wine with the fruity hints of apples, oranges, and cranberries.

McAlpine Meadery in Beach City also caters to holiday mead enjoyers. Paying homage to German folklore, McAlpine’s Krampus seasonal wine is made with oranges and based loosely on a German holiday wine, Gluhwine, a mulled wine type.

To try spiced wine in the traditional form, stop in at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante in Geneva, for a bottle of their Harvest Spice. This sweet grape wine is made to be paired with citrus fruits and cinnamon sticks.

For a twist on the classics, try seasoned honey wine. Dutch Creek Winery in Athens offers guests the flavor of

Go the extra mile in originality creating your own mulled wine with The Winery at Versailles’ Wintry Nights as the base. It blends red concord grapes with apples. Add spices and drink it warm or cold. For those with a favored red, Old Firehouse Winery in Geneva sells Aspen Mulling Spices. Pre-made spice bags make mulled wine an easy project, with a crockpot doing all the work.

Ferrante Winery and Ristorante

Dutch Creek Winery

Main Street is waiting just outside your comfort zone; the perfect place to

fuel your passions & ignite your creativity.