Places to Go: Ohio Quilt Barn Tour
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ourney back in time with a new trend for the heritage travelers – the Barn Quilt Tour, a program of the Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau. Quilt patterns hand painted on barns decorate the scenic countryside. These true folk art renditions celebrate the historic, rural and agricultural experience while connecting the lovely historic downtown communities with the beautiful landscapes of Miami County. As visitors travel from town to farm, they won’t have to travel far to see over 67 barns adorned with unique patterns. Leaving the fast lane behind, this unusual driving tour takes the traveler off the beaten path and away from the major highways where they can enjoy a peaceful, leisurely drive on country roads that criss-cross all parts of Miami County. Sprinkled throughout the county, most of the patterns are 8 X 8 foot squares and can be viewed up close by driving into the farm lanes or driveways, where some of the owners may even personally welcome their visitors. As an added bonus, many of the farms have a wide assortment of horses, cows, goats, sheep, llamas, donkeys, roosters, and more – all waiting to greet you in their own special way. The concept of the barn quilts had its origin in 2001 in Adams County, Ohio. It was the inspiration of one woman who wanted to honor her mother’s enthusiasm for the craft of quilting and to highlight the shared cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. It quickly spread to other counties in Ohio and other states as well, creating Spring, 2012
a rich network of quilt barns, while also creating a boost for rural tourism. The Miami County Visitors and Convention Bureau offers a map brochure for this tour which is self guided, available year round, and free to the public. There is no set trail and visitors can create their own trail, striking out in any direction to see all 67 barn quilts, or just select a few. No two are alike. Besides the beauty of the barn quilts, the tour provides a connection to the region’s rural heritage and the still very important role of the barns today, helping to preserve a piece of American heritage. It also recognizes the traditional art of quilting, which in recent years has made a huge comeback. The patterns themselves pay tribute to crafts, nature, occupations, politics, events, various states and almost anything that inspires a connection with community and family. The barns and quilt patterns seem to be a natural partnership, linked in the rural fabric of American history. Plan your travels to allow time to visit other sites. Along the way, scenic parks and preserves such as Brukner Nature Center, Charleston Falls Preserve, Historic Eldean Bridge, Piqua Historical Area/Canal Boat Ride and the Stillwater Prairie Reserve will beckon you to stop and explore, or share a picnic lunch in a lovely natural setting where wildlife, wildflowers, covered bridges, glistening streams and waterfalls will welcome everyone. It’s a perfect way to experience the outdoors and see things you don’t normally find in the city. For more information visit VisitMiamiCounty.org or call 800-348-8993.
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