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Experience Small-Town Charm in Union CountyIn Union County, you’ll discover a true mix of modern appeal and old-fashioned fun. Here, visitors find a myriad of attractions to make the most of an afternoon or a long weekend.
Marysville is the county seat, with loads of destinations perfect for antique hunters and those looking for that special item. Shoppers come back to Marysville Antique Mall year after year for bargains and a great selection. Those looking for some unique items need to stop by Primtives and Porcelain and About the House. The Henderson House prides itself on its antiques, uniques and fine dining, and is also on the Register of National Historic Places. A few miles down the road is Weeping Willow… and her branches, where there are six different stores under one roof full of antiques, primitives and Amish furnishings. Other distinctive shops include About the House, full of interior decorations and accents, the Bookmark, filled with children’s learning toys, Lambert Jewelers, The Wardrobe and Goodies Galore, where you’ll find cards, gifts and chocolate treats for everyone on your list. When combing the town for treats and treasures, be sure to make time to take in the historical architecture of the uptown buildings and homes. Find information to guide you through a Historical Walking Tour through Uptown Marysville at the Union County CVB. Marysville also offers a variety of dining options for hungry shoppers. Sample the selection of ethnic eats, down-home diners or hometown barbeque and pizza favorites. Or relax at Java Town Coffee Shop or The Painted Lady Tea Room and Victorian Gallery, where lunch is an event.
Speaking of out-of-the-ordinar y, make time for a special spot that appeals to the whole family. Stop in to admire the works by Arleta Bowersmith at Animals by Arleta, where guests are surrounded by life-sized sculptures of animals — ostriches, apes, aardvarks and more — in a jungle- like setting. Moving on to Richwood’s downtown, visitors can enjoy a world of color at shops including Sheila’s Flowers and Gifts and The Vintage Blossom Gift Shop & Greenhouse. The greenhouse at The Vintage Blossom is open to the public all year ‘round. Be sure to stop by the Heritage Restaurant for homemade cooking, then go for dessert at Easy Street Taxes & Fudge, where delicious fudge is made the old-fashioned way in a kettle. Or, purchase some treats and head over to Richwood Park, a great spot for a picnic, adjacent to the shopping district.
Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars is an ideal destination for wine and champagne connoisseurs and novices alike. Just north of Richwood, the award-winning establishment serves rivals French and California wines. Last year, Ravenhurst took the Gold Medal for their Busch- Harris Chardonnay in the Los Angeles Wines of America Competition, where they won “Best White” in 2000. Contact the Visitors Bureau for monthly open house schedules. One of the first things visitors to Plain City do is make a stop at Der Dutchman. Here, there’s a bakery full of scrumptious Amish goods, a restaurant and large gift shop. Plain City is also known for its auctions, held the second and fourth Fridays of every month, featuring an entire evening of entertainment. The picturesque country roads in Union County aren’t just meant for drivers to enjoy. The well-maintained roads are perfect for an easygoing bike ride, especially around the Scioto Darby Creek. At this National Scenic Byway waterway, outdoor enthusiasts can also find ideal spots for canoeing and kayaking.
Join in the festivities at outdoor events in Union County spring through fall. A variety of fun fare, art, crafts and flea markets welcome visitors to the Miami Valley Steam Threshers Festival the third week in July, where artisans demonstrate antique machinery. The Old Timer Days Festival in Raymond and Shekinah Mennonite Festival in Plain City bring worlds of oldfashioned, family-friendly fun to town. Festifair, A Celebration of Arts and Air is held the second weekend in September. The event includes airplanes, hot air balloons, arts, antiques, crafts and live entertainment. There’s also something special for twowheeler enthusiasts. The Honda Homecoming features block parties, entertainment and a bike rally, with more than 10,000 visiting motorcycle riders. This event roars into Union County the last weekend of July — the same time as the Union County Fair, one Ohio’s oldest, with all the music, competitions and family attractions you love at the fair. Richwood Independent Fair, the only fair of its kind in Ohio, is held every Labor Day weekend. You won’t want to leave the county without seeing its real windows to the past — the covered bridges of Union County. The four historical covered bridges and steel truss bridge were built in the 1860s and ’70s and are still in use. For more information on Union County, contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau at (937) 642-4314 or 1-877- 473-4314 or visit them on the web at www.unioncounty.org. Hotels AmeriHost Inn Days Inn Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express & Suites Super 8 Motel Campgrounds Available
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