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Delaware County Delaware County Convention & Visitors Bureau 44 East Winter Street Delaware, Ohio 43015 (740) 368-4748 or 1-888-335-6446 FAX: (740) 369-9277 Website: www.VisitDelOhio.com E-mail: VisitDelOhio@midohio.net |
800-297-LOOP |
Making Memories in Delaware County
 Historic downtown Delaware |
Discover your new favorite getaway in Delaware County, just minutes north of Columbus. Here, you’ll encounter a wealth of arts, artifacts, architecture and antiques that make your visit more than just a pleasant drive. You’ll find an abundance of quaint towns, country roads, a scenic byway and plenty of woods and water to explore. But there’s also much more to enjoy in Delaware County’s diverse attractions, history and shopping than meets the eye.
Begin in Sunbury and spend the day browsing for unique, antique and nostalgic relics on the quaint village square and surrounding streets.
Then, venture a few miles west to the county seat of Delaware and explore the historic downtown shopping district. A Main Street Community, Historic Downtown Delaware features shopping and farmers’markets on streets lined with charming 19th century storefronts. Locally owned stores offer specialty items, antiques, art, pottery painting, one-of-a-kind rustic and country home decor items, vintage clothing and a variety of dining options. View the many styles of architecture on a walking tour of the historic downtown, available through the Delaware County Historical Society and the Delaware County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Delaware also boasts an enriching atmosphere for students and visitors at Ohio Wesleyan University, where they enjoy a wide range of artistic opportunities. Ohio Wesleyan’s Performing Arts Series presents performances from renowned musicians, actors and dancers.
Follow the sounds of beautiful music to Gray Chapel on the Ohio Wesleyan campus. Here, music-lovers can experience the inspiring Central Ohio Symphony. The professional ensemble, now in its 26th season, performs works by great composers such as Gershwin, Copland, Beethoven,Mozart and others.
Art-lovers shouldn’t miss The Arts Castle, a landmark building in Delaware, which was originally a home built as a wedding gift for a bride in the 1800s. At The Castle, visitors find distinctive decorative art pieces for sale as well as rotating art exhibits.
 One of Sunbury’s three annual Antique & Flea Market Days. |
Delaware County is famous for the internationally renowned Little Brown Jug, one of the jewels in the triple crown of Grand Circuit harness racing. The Jug runs during the Delaware County Fair. The fair is a not-to-be-missed annual extravaganza of entertainment, food, competitions and midway rides. Thousands flock to the track at the fairgrounds for the exciting harness racing that’s been a tradition in Delaware since 1937. The weekend before the fair, crowds gather to watch the fabulous All-Horse Parade.
On the south edge of Delaware is Perkins Observatory, where the stars are always in reach. The observatory has the second largest telescope in Ohio. Evening programs on Friday and Saturday nights help visitors learn about astronomy with planetarium shows, tours and gazing the galaxies through telescopes.
Even when the weather isn’t cooperating, the family can still get together for some old-fashioned, active fun. The Chiller North, located in Lewis Center, just south of Delaware, is one of Central Ohio’s premier ice skating rinks. The rink is ideal for parties, lessons or just a few laps around the rink with the kids.
Still curious? There’s plenty to keep everyone occupied in Powell. Shop the historic district, enjoy a variety of dining options and explore more than 700 wildlife species from all over the world at The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. One of the state’s most popular attractions, the zoo is home to such wild creatures as gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, elephants, manatees, okapi and tigers, and offers family programs for every season.
When it’s time to cool off, discover Zoombezi Bay Water Park which is scheduled to open at the Zoo in 2008.
 The Little Brown Jug, Delaware. |
Nearby, the Olentangy Indian Caverns is a must-see historic and natural wonder, offering a glimpse into ancient Native American lore. Tour the caverns that were formed millions of years ago by an underground river and later used by the Wyandotte Indians for shelter and tribal ceremonies.Above ground, visit Ohio Frontier Land, mine for gems, climb the rock wall and play miniature golf.
Named for the Delaware Indians, Delaware State Park in the northern part of the county offers boundless recreational opportunities. The thick woods, open meadows and 800 feet of beach are ideal for camping, swimming, boating, fishing, birdwatching and hiking.
To the southeast, Alum Creek State Park is a haven for adventurers. Swimmers enjoy 3,000 feet of beach — the largest inland beach in Ohio. There’s also boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and water skiing.Alum Creek has bridle trails and several miles of trails for mountain biking.Novices and pros alike enjoy winding through the rugged scenery on foot, horseback or mountain bike. The Hoover and O’Shaughnessy reservoirs are also great for sailing.
For those looking for a challenge, but at a slower pace, 12 public golf courses throughout the county await contenders.
For more information on Delaware County, visit www.visitdelohio.com or call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-DEL-OHIO or (740) 368-4748.
Hotels/Bed & Breakfasts
 Manatee at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell. |
Hotels
Best Western Delaware Inn
1720 Columbus Pike
Delaware, Ohio 43015
1-800-434-5800
Comfort Inn
1251 Columbus Pike
(U.S. Rte. 23 S.)
Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-8869
The Conference Center at NorthPointe
9243 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
1-866-233-9393
Days Inn & Suites
7323 St. Rte. 36 and 37 (at I-71)
Sunbury, Ohio 43074
(740) 362-6159
Delaware Hotel
351 S. Sandusky St.
Delaware, Ohio 43015
1-800-837-1262
 Sailboating on one of Delaware County’s many lakes. |
Hampton Inn
7329 St. Rte. 36 and 37 (at I-71)
Sunbury, Ohio 43074
1-800-HAMPTON
Holiday
Inn Express Hotel & Suites
7301 St. Rte. 36 and 37 (at I-71)
Sunbury, Ohio 43074
1-800-HOLIDAY
Travelodge
1001 U.S. Rte. 23 N.
Delaware, Ohio 43015
1-800-578-7878
Bed & Breakfasts
Italianate Circa 1890
62 W. Central Ave.
Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-9903
Sondra’s Bed & Breakfast
13695 Trenton Rd.
Sunbury, Ohio 43074
(740) 965-4519
Welcome Home Inn
6640 Home Rd.
Delaware, Ohio 43015
1-800-381-0364
The Winter Street Inn
185 West Winter St.
Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 990-8695