Outward Bound

Every season in the Heritage Circle brings new reason to head out and make the most of every falling leaf and snowflake, every blossoming tree and every sunset. Revisit a favorite picnicking spot or discover a new trail in the abundant splendor of Central Ohio’s parks, water and woods.

Delaware County boasts a bounty of destinations that pay respect to life under the sun and stars.More than 700 species of animals live at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where sprawling acres of wildlife habitats and family fun bring you up close to the real thing. Zoombezi Bay Water Park will be opening at the Zoo in 2008

One Delaware County attraction will take you 105 feet below the ground, while another will have you wondering at the heavens. The Olentangy Indian Caverns, formed millions of years ago by an underground river cutting through the limestone, await your exploration. At Perkins Observatory friendly astronomy lessons and a 32-inch telescope bring you as close as ever to the stars above.

Back on earth, Alum Creek and Delaware State Park are abound with water recreation and camping. Alum Creek also has several miles of mountain bike trails, where beginners and experts can find a trail to suit their skill level.

The award-winning Westerville Parks and Recreation Department was selected as Sportstown for the state of Ohio in 2003 by Sports Illustrated Magazine and the National Recreation and Park Association. Westerville’s Inniswood Metro Gardens is a 120-plus-acre nature preserve with more than 2,000 species of plants covering the scenic grounds. Also, the Westerville Parks and Recreation Department maintains 16-plus miles of bikeways and leisure trails that meander through 34 of the city’s parks. The newly constructed BMX/skateboard Park is a hit for enthusiasts of all ages, located at Alum Creek Park South.

Even skateboarding has a home in Worthington, with 7,000 square feet of dedicated space at the Worthington Skate Park in the Olentangy River Parklands.

Out east, the 8,000-square-foot Reynoldsburg Skate Park in John F. Kennedy Park is another challenging venue in the heart of Reynoldsburg, and also offers shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, tennis courts and more. Reynoldsburg boasts six award-winning city parks and the Blacklick Woods, which encompasses more than 632 acres, is the most popular recreation area and nature preserve, with biking paths, miles of trails and a nature center. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a championship course.

More adventure awaits in Knox County’s Kokosing and Mohican River Valleys, where the great outdoors beckon you for plentiful fishing, camping and hiking. Pitch a tent and drop a line to catch that big one at one of more than 1,000 campsites offered by the five area campgrounds. Or, just lace up your hiking boots and begin a journey down the Kokosing Gap Trail, 14 miles of paved path that winds through the wilderness between Mount Vernon and Danville. Walk across one of the longest recreational trail covered bridges in America on the Bridge of Dreams, part of the Mohican Valley Trail. Or, experience two of Ohio’s Scenic Byways.

When you travel to Union County, slow down and enjoy the scenery, which includes the picturesque Scioto Darby Creek and four historic covered bridges built in the 1860s and 1870s. Call 1-877-473-4314 for information about the 48- mile covered bridge tour and other exciting Union County attractions.

Licking County is home to more picturesque destinations, including Newark’s Dawes Arboretum. With 1,650 acres of plant collections and natural areas, the Dawes Arboretum is a visual wonderland year-round. Explore in your own vehicle on a driving tour or venture out on the arboretum’s eight miles of hiking trails.

Each October, visitors flock to Pickaway County to celebrate the harvest of the autumn’s ultimate gourd. The Circleville Pumpkin Show is the place to go for pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread and, of course, pumpkin pie.After you get filled up with your favorite pumpkin delights, head about five miles north to Ashville, home of Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve. There, you can take in the sights at this 178-acre waterfowl refuge and prime bird-watching area. If that’s a little too slow for your taste, venture to beautiful Deer Creek Reservoir, a 1,277 acre lake surrounded by a state park, or Hargus Lake, a 145 acre lake, where boat rentals, hiking trails, picnicking and fishing are the favorite past-times.

Possibly the spookiest outdoor attraction in the Heritage Circle is Fairfield County’s Stonewall Cemetery, a public park located off U.S.Route 22, just west of Lancaster.The wall encircles the Wilson family’s burial ground and was designed so that the North Star shines directly above its entryway.

For some, golfing can be a bit scary, but don’t let that stop you. There are many challenging and scenic public golf courses throughout the Heritage Circle for all skill levels. For a list of courses and more of any kind of information about all of the area’s outdoor attractions, call 1-800-297-LOOP. In any event, whatever outdoor adventure you desire, it’s here in the Central Ohio Heritage Circle.

Outdoor Events

February
Winter Hike, Slate Run Metro Park, Pickaway County, 1-888-770-PICK

April
Pooch Parade, Worthington, (614) 472-3818

May
NHRA Pontiac Performance Nationals, Hebron, 1-800-884-6472
Plantfest, Worthington, (614) 891-6293
Westerville Cookie Festival, Westerville, 1-800-824-8461

June
Reynoldsburg Annual Garden Tour, Reynoldsburg, (614) 866-4888
Commercial Point Homecoming, Commercial Point, 1-888-770-PICK
Garden Tour, Delaware, (740) 362-6050
Powell Festival, Powell, 1-888-DEL-OHIO
Pickaway County Fair, Circleville, (740) 474-2085
Westerville Safety Fest, Westerville, 1-800-824-8461
Ohio Regional Bonsai Show, Newark, 1-800-44-DAWES
Deercreek Dam Days Festival, 1-888-770-7425

July
Fourth of July Celebrations, contact each CVB for information.
Knox County Fair, Mount Vernon, 1-800-837-5282
Corn Show, Ashley, 1-888-DELOHIO
Union County Fair, Marysville, 1-877-473-4314
Honda Welcome Home Party, Marysville, 1-877-473-4314
Pickaway County Pizza Challenge, Circleville 1-888-770-PICK
A Taste of Worthington, Worthington, (614) 888-3040

August
Taste of Reynoldsburg, Reynoldsburg, (614) 866-4888
Blues, Brews & BBQ, Circleville, 1-888-770-PICK
LPGA: Wendy’s Championship, Union County, 1-877-473-4314
MOPAR Nationals, National Trail Raceway, Reynoldsburg, (614) 866-4888
Wings of Victory Air Show, Lancaster, 1-800-626-1296
“Dog Days of Summer Celebration,” Uptown Westerville, 1-800-824-8461
Hartford Fair, Croton, 1-800-589-8224

September
Fredericktown Tomato Show, Fredericktown, 1-800-837-5282
Little Brown Jug Grand Circuit Harness Race, Delaware, (740) 362-3851
Delaware County Fair, Delaware, (740) 362-3851
Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival, Reynoldsburg, (614) 866-4888
“An Affair of the Hort,” Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville, (614) 895-6216
Flint Ridge Knap-In, Glenford, (740) 787-2476
Hot Licks Blues Festival, Granville, (740) 587-0249
Swapper’s Day, Johnstown, (740) 967-9633

October
Heart of Ohio Tour, Knox County, 1-800-837-5282
Fairfield County Fair, Lancaster, (740) 653-3041
Circleville Pumpkin Show, Circleville, (740) 474-7000
Sunbury/Galena “Country Cruise-In,” Sunbury, 1-888-DEL-OHIO
Pumpkin Festival, Hebron (740) 928-4925 (740) 928-8320

January
Winter at the Wetlands, Slate Run Metro Park, Pickaway County, 1-888-770-PICK