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Pickaway County Visitors Bureau 135 West Main Street, P.O. Box 462 Circleville, Ohio 43113 1-888-770-PICK FAX: (740) 477-6800 Contact: Risa Varasso Website: www.pickaway.com E-mail: pickofoh@bright.net |
 800-297-LOOP |
Pick Your Pleasure in Pickaway County
 Everyone joins in the fun at the Circleville Pumpkin Show. |
It seems the folks of Pickaway County are always celebrating something. Whether it’s the heritage found in the museums and architecture, the abundant nature at an outdoor get-together, or the arts at a performance, this is the place where celebration is just a way of life. There never was a better time to pay a visit to Pickaway County and share in the fun.
For one week out of the year, Circleville is the home of one thing, and one thing only: the greatest free show on earth, the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Since 1903, the Circleville Pumpkin Show has been held the third Wednesday through Saturday in October.Visitors come from all 50 states – even from other countries – for the festivities each year, expanding Circleville’s population by over 400,000 revelers. The event includes contests, daily parades, entertainment and every kind of delicious pumpkin-themed fare you could imagine. There are plenty of bands, children’s activities and more for visitors of all ages.
In addition to the renowned Pumpkin Show, there are many other festivals throughout the year to pique your interest, with themes ranging from music to motocross to antiquing.
 The Ted Lewis Museum. |
Celebrating Circleville’s favorite son, the Ted Lewis Festival is held annually in May and features performances of memorable Lewis hits, including “Tiger Rag,” “St. Louis Blues” and “The Sunny Side of the Street.” For fans who just can’t get enough of all that jazz, there’s a Ted Lewis Museum filled with memorabilia, such as vintage instruments and sheet music, from the popular clarinet player’s peak in the early 20th century.
Near Memorial Day each year, Williamsport hosts the Deercreek Dam Days Festival, which boasts four days of midway rides, arts, antiques, flea market items and parades. In June, the Pickaway County Fair is the main event, with grandstand events including truck and tractor pulls, motocross, a demolition derby and harness racing.Of course, there are plenty of rides, food and entertainment for the entire family.
After spending a leisurely day at the fair, active visitors looking for some outdoor exploring will find a myriad of opportunities to get the heart pumping.Adventurers can visit the Shawnee Canoe Livery on the beautiful Scioto River. Canoeing and kayaking are both available, and the river offers striking views at every turn.Visitors to the Shawnee Canoe Livery can also take a trip down the historical Ohio Erie Canal. A 2.5-mile portion of the canal was acquired in 1999 by the Pickaway County Historical and Genealogical Society and is maintained as an educational area open to the public for recreation.
 The Geneological Library. |
If you can’t get enough of the great outdoors, visit Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center, where amenities range from camping facilities to cabins to rooms in the rustic lodge. Or book a stay in the richly appointed Harding Cabin, which is known for being a retreat of President Warren G.Harding. Deer Creek is a perfect destination for a long weekend with the family spent enjoying tennis, hiking, biking, swimming and fishing. Boat and jet ski rentals are also available at the marina and golfers won’t be disappointed with the greens, or the views, at Deer Creek’s course. True afficionados can check out the seven other public courses in the county that offer a variety of challenges.
If historical pursuits are more your interest, Pickaway County won’t disappoint. Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm features some of the best educational entertainment this side of Williamsburg. The farm depicts rural agricultural life in the 1880s, with period and model buildings, costumed volunteers, machinery, livestock and crops. Guests can try their hand at activities on the farm, such as picking vegetables or tending to the animals. Even without its hands-on appeal, Slate Run stands out for its striking views and perfect spots for strolling and picnicking. The winding Sugar Maple Trail leads visitors past shale ledges, ravines and ridge tops, while The Five Oaks Trail features five species of Oak trees and a variety of wildflowers, birds, animals and species of fish.
 Everyone joins in the fun at the Circleville Pumpkin Show. |
For history lessons indoors, visit Green's Heritage Museum, a bastion of collectibles located in Orient. The museum features an assortment of oddities and artifacts, including bikes, model tractors, toy trains and horse-drawn carriages.
In Ashville, Ohio’s Small Town Museum boasts national recognition from the New York Times, the Oprah Winfrey Show and the book, New Roadside America. The museum provides a heartwarming look into the charm and history of an all-American small town, featuring such items as silver nuggets unearthed at Snake Den Mounds, artifacts from Ashville’s history and plenty of information on local writers, inventors, politicians and entertainers.
In nearby Chillicothe, history comes alive in an exciting display fit for the whole family. Tecumseh! The Outdoor Drama has become a favorite draw for history buffs or simply anyone looking for a unique, action-packed show.
For more information on getting away to Pickaway, call the county visitors’ bureau at 1-888-770-7425 or (740) 474- 3636. Visit Pickaway on the web at www.pickaway.com.
Hotels/Bed & Breakfasts
Hotels
Comfort Inn
24571 U.S. Rte. 23
Circleville, Ohio 43113
1-800-228-5150
Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center
22300 State Park Rd. #20
Mt. Sterling, Ohio 43143
1-877-678-3337
The Guest House
163 W. Franklin
Circleville, Ohio 43113
(740) 474-5995
Holiday Inn Express
23911 U.S. Rte. 23
Circleville, Ohio 43113
(740) 420-7711
Knights Inn
23897 U.S. Rte. 23 S.
Circleville, Ohio 43113
(740) 474-6006
Montecello Motel
25130 U.S. Rte. 23 S.
Circleville, Ohio 43113
(740) 474-8884
Travelodge
24701 U.S. Rte. 23 S.
Circleville, Ohio 43113
(740) 474-7511
Bed & Breakfasts
Braeburn Farm Bed & Breakfast
6768 Zane Trail Rd.
Circleville, Ohio 43113
(740) 474-7086
Castle Inn Romantic Retreat
Bed & Breakfast
610 S. Court St., P.O. Box 751
Circleville, Ohio 43113
(740) 477-3986
Penguin Crossing Bed & Breakfast
3291 St. Rte. 56 W.
Circleville, Ohio 43113
1-800-PENGUIN