Day trips — cures for a small case of wanderlust
Though there are many outdoor activities to enjoy in The Glass City, nothing says summer like a road trip. We came up with a list of places that you could explore without having to plan for an overnight stay. Whether you are a beach bum, nature lover, or history buff, we have a little something for all your summertime wanderings across the region in our Summer Day Trip Roundup.
1-800-FUN-TOWN
frankenmuth.org
Estimated driving time: 2 hours
Take in the Bavarian culture so evident in Frankenmuth with a meal at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant; then walk along Main Street to explore the shops, or head to River Place Shops to peruse their wares. Other options for visitors include a tour along the Cass River on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, a drink at the Frankenmuth Brewery, and a tour at the Zeilinger Wool Company for a hands-on lesson on wool processing.
Amish Country
Millersburg, OH | 330-674-2412
historicdowntownmillersburg.com
Estimated driving time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Want to get away from it all and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Amish Country? Look no further than Historic Downtown Millersburg. You could certainly spend all day perusing the handmade crafts, garments, furniture, jewelry, and toys in the local stores. You might also check out the Millersburg Glass Museum, the elegant Victorian House, or enjoy the outdoors along the Holmes County Trail. Take in the unique traditions of the area, exploring the pubs, wineries, bakeries, and any number of establishments that offer Amish comfort food.
Geneva-on-the-Lake
5540 Lake Road E,
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH
800-862-9948 | visitgenevaonthelake.com
Estimated drive time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
As Ohio’s original summer resort, Geneva-on-the-Lake makes for a perfect family trip. Fishing excursions, bumming around the beach, listening to live music on Tuesday nights at Township Park— there’s something for everyone at Geneva. Take a sunset cruise, catch a performance at Ashtabula Arts Center, or just spend all of your time hanging out by the water. The choice is yours!
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve
26093 County Rd. F, Archbold, OH
614-265-6561 | naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov
Estimated drive time: 1 hour
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve has some of the largest trees left in Ohio. If you are interested in learning about what the Great Black Swamp was like centuries ago, Goll might be as close as you’re ever going to get. Put on your hiking boots, pack some mosquito repellent and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this pristine forest.
Schedel Arboretum & Gardens
19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore, OH
419-862-3182 | Schedel-gardens.org
Estimated drive time: 30 minutes
Take in the lush, verdant greenery of Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, which has over 10,000 annual plants and flowers, a huge rose garden, tropical garden, bonsai shelter, and many other diverse plant habitats to explore. Make sure to bring your camera for this one!
Short North Arts District
High St., Columbus, OH
614-299-8050 | shortnorth.org
Estimated drive time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Central Ohio’s mecca for arts, culture, and celebrating small businesses, the Short North Arts District is a place you should check out this summer. You can find home decor, beautiful fashion and gifts. This month’s big event is the Community Festival in Goodale Park from June 22-24, plus art walks, dance classes, DIY workshops, and many other ways to get involved in the Short North happenings.
Lakeside Chautauqua
236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside, OH
419-798-4461 | Lakesideohio.com
Estimated drive time: 1 hour
Lakeside Chautauqua’s Summer Entertainment series offers family-friendly music. On Saturday, June 15, Next Generation Leahy takes the stage with Celtic-inspired step dancing, fiddling, and ethereal songs. On Saturday, June 22, Grammy-winning artist Amy Grant returns to Lakeside, performing some of her biggest hits. Day passes for Lakeside Chautauqua range from $8-$30.
Breakfast on the Farm
Free, family event
By Rebecca Booth
Looking for a fun, family-focused event? Attend Breakfast on the Farm, Saturday, June 15 at the Henricks & Krieger Dairy in Fayette, Ohio, where you and your family will have the chance to meet local farmers, see some cows and even tour a working farm! In addition, you’ll enjoy a FREE breakfast and learn about the food you eat. Festivities begin at 9 a.m.
The Fulton County Breakfast on the Farm program gives families an up-close and personal view of farm production in today’s environment. Learn how safe and healthy foods are produced in Northwest Ohio and throughout the country.
“We want you to experience how the owners of Henricks & Krieger Dairy care for their animals, produce wholesome and safe food as well as how they care for their land,” said Eric Richer, OSU Extension Educator. “We have developed many children’s activities in order for them to learn how a farm operates in the 21st century.”
The Henricks & Krieger farm is a third generation, three-family partnership owned by Richard and Sue Henricks, Phillip and Tara Henricks, and Shawn and Kim Krieger. The farm is located at 14692 County Road 16-3, Fayette, Ohio. Join them as they host Breakfast on the Farm on Saturday, June 15 at 9 am. Reservations are required. To register, go to www.go.osu.edu/fultonbotfregister2019.
Estimated drive time: 1 hour
Fulton County Breakfast on the Farm is coordinated by Fulton SWCD, Farm Bureau and OSU Extension along with a community-based planning committee.
