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Central Ohio Highlights

State Resources:
 7 - State Parks
11 - Historical Sites
13 - Nature Preserves
 3 - Hunting/Fishing Areas

Counties / Major Cities:
DELAWARE - Delaware
FAIRFIELD - Lancaster, Sugar Grove, Amanda
FRANKLIN - Columbus, Dublin, Westerville
LICKING - Granville, Hebron, NEWARK
MADISON - London, Mt. Sterling
PICKAWAY - Circleville, Ashville, Williamsport

Featured Central Ohio Attractions

Moundbuilders State Memorial and Indian Art Museum
  LICKING County
Long before recorded history, Licking County was the center of an ancient civilization. The Moundbuilders earthworks, still visible today, have been intensely studied by historians and scientists. Moundbuilders State Memorial exhibits objects in many media, representing the artistic achievements of all the known prehistoric cultures in the Ohio area from 10,000 B.C. to 1600 A.D. The mound encloses 26 acres of the 66 acre park. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:30 a.m - 5:00 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5:00 p.m., and weekends Labor Day through October. Moundbuilders is located 9 miles north of 1-70 on State Route 79. An additional earthwork, the Octagon Mound, is located on Parkview Road, Newark. (740)344-1920.
Statehouse
  FRANKLIN County
With construction complete at the Ohio Capitol Square Complex, the Statehouse has been restored to its original grandeur and beauty.
  LICKING County
National Trail Raceway, one of the nation's finest drag race facilities, features all classes of competition each weekend from late April through October. Spectators thrill to the excitement of finely tuned machines as they roar down the quarter mile asphalt strip at record-breaking speeds. The NHRA Oldsmobile Springnationals are held every year in June. Take 1-70 to Route 37 north to Route 40. Call (740)587-1005 or raceday number (740)928-5706.
  LICKING County
This scenic railroad travels through the heart of local Ohio farmland. The hour-long 10 mile train ride follows the exact route of the historic 1854 Shawnee line which served as a vital transportation link for the settlement of western America.

The railroad operates Memorial Day Weekend through October on Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays. Departure times are 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. The railroad is located 1 1/2 miles west of Jacksoiitown and 3 miles east of Hebron on Route 40. (740) 366-2029.

Blackhand Gorge
  LICKING County
A visit to historic Blackhand Gorge provides the nature lover with the beauty of 970 wooded acres and an awe inspiring gorge.
The Dawes Arboretum
  LICKING County
Venturing out on the maple trail, browsing through the Nature Center or Daweswood House Museum, enjoying lunch at a picnic area, or overlooking the world's largest hedge lettering are but a few of the activities available to visitors of Dawes Arboretum. The arboretum, situated on 315 acres, plays host to more than 2,000 species of trees and shrubs. The Visitors Center features a gift shop, bonsai house, nature displays and various other exhibits. A short distance away is the Cypress Swamp. The Japanese Garden has been judged one of the 10 best in the United States. The grounds are open every day from daylight to dusk, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Tours and classes are available. The Arboretum is located 5 miles south of Newark on State Route 13. (740) 323-2355.
The Columbus Zoo
  DELAWARE County
The Columbus Zoo is open 365 days a year, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and during the remainder of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages two through eleven, $5 for senior citizens, children under two are admitted free, and parking is $2.
  FRANKLIN County
The Beulah Park Jockey Club is Ohio's original home of thoroughbred racing. Since 1923, millions of fans have experienced all of the trills and pageantry found at a day at the races.

Enjoy competitive racing and an excellent clubhouse restaurant. The racing season runs from fall through spring.

740-871-9600
3664 Grant Avenue, Grove City, Ohio

Licking County Bike Trails
  LICKING County
Licking County bike trails are among the most beautiful in the country. Popular for walking, roller-skating and biking as well, the paved surfaces are free of difficult inclines.
  LICKING County
Granville, a quiet New England-style village in central Ohio, was founded in 1805 by Yankee pioneers from Massachusetts and Connecticut. From its earliest days, the village has been noted for the industry of its people and its educational institutions. The village is also well known for the hospitality of its local inns and the architecture of its buildings. Virtually a museum of days gone by, Granville welcomes the traveler with the same warmth that was common in a gentler age.
  LICKING County
Nestled among tall, sheltering maples, the Inn with its native sandstone exterior and terraced grounds recalls a more gracious time in the tradition of an English country house. Enjoy a comfortable night's sleep in one of the newly decorated rooms featuring plump comforters and its own distinctive theme. Sample wonderful cuisine, for lunch or dinner. The inn is located at 314 East Broadway, call (740) 587-3333 for reservations.
  LICKING County
A 32 mile shoreline encompasses 3800 surface acres of water at Buckeye Lake, offering the visitor convenient beaches and camping facilities, as well as boating, fishing and hunting opportunities.

An added attraction is Cranberry Marsh, an ancient bog left behind when Ohio's last glacier receded some 17,000 years ago. The national landmark is an ideal sanctuary for migrating ducks, birds and geese. Buckeye Lake is located 2 miles south of 1-70. Take Route 79 south to Buckeye Lake.

  LICKING County
Flint Ridge gives the visitor a splendid look into the lives of Paleo-Indians 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The flint was used by prehistoric Indians to kill and skin game, light fires, and stay enemies. The 5 square mile park is open from May through October. The museum is open the same hours as Moundbuilders State Memorial, and is located on County Road 668, 2 miles north of I-70. (740)787-2476.
Fairfield Heritage Association
  FAIRFIELD County
  LICKING County
Granville's Greek Revival Style museum (1842) has several period rooms furnished with a variety of antiques, furniture, paintings, pianos, oriental rugs, clocks and many other examples of decorative arts from the mid-1800's.

The Robbins-Hunter Museum is open June through December 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday or by appointment. Walking tours of Granville's historic district are available. The museum is located at 221 East Broadway. (740)587-0430.

  LICKING County
Built in 1812 as a tavern with overnight rooms at the crossroads of the old north/south, east/west stagecoach roads serving central Ohio, The Buxton is Ohio's oldest operating inn still using its original building. Famous for antique furnished rooms, romantic courtyards, superb cuisine and pioneer hospitality for more than 175 years, the Buxton Inn is a living American tradition. The inn is located at 313 East Broadway, call (740) 587-0001 for reservations.
  LICKING County
The museum, housed in the 1831 King House along with a beautiful new expansion, features Heisey glass which was produced in Newark from 1895 to 1957. Hundreds of patterns are on display including pieces in all experimental colors and production techniques.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., or by appointment, and is located in Veterans Park at 6th and Church Streets. (740)345-2932.

  LICKING County
The 1870-1871 Victorian house remains as it was when Hubert and Oese Robinson lived in it. Furnishings, possessions, and memorabilia all belong to the heritage of Hubert Robinson, dating back to Granville's beginnings in 1805. The exhibits of family possessions are changed to reflect the appropriate season. The museum is open to the public every Sunday from 1:00 - 4:30 p.m., mid-April through mid-October or by appointment for tour groups. The garden is open to visitors anytime the gate is open. The Victorian Undergarment program and Victorian Flirts program are charming additions to your group tour. The museum is located at 121 South Main Street. (740)587-0373.
  LICKING County
Enjoy an afternoon in the country sampling the fine wines of Willow Hill Vineyards. A family-owned and operated winery, visitors are welcome to tour the underground winery and the vineyards. Have the pleasure of an enjoyable wine-tasting experience by relaxing in the log-home tasting room or on the outdoor deck overlooking a quiet four-acre lake frequented by native waterfowl and surrounded by the vineyards and the rolling hills of Licking County. Willow Hill wines, by the glass, bottle or case and a selection of wine-related gifts are available.

The winery is located at 5460 Loudon Street between Raccoon Valley Road and Sportsman Club Road, six miles northwest of Granville. Call for times. (740)587-4622.

  LICKING County
The Welsh Hills Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra centered at Denison University in Granville. The orchestra hosts local and national guest artists. For a listing of performances, write: The Licking County Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 461, Granville, Ohio 43023.
  LICKING County
The Webb House, built in 1907 by Frank Camden Webb for his bride, Shirley Pitser, was the home of the Webbs until 1976 when it was bequethed to the Licking County Historical Society. The house is an excellent example of early Twentieth Century architecture.

The house is filled with period furniture and family heirlooms. Many items date through the 1920's, the period of its most active use. Included in the collection are the works of 12 professional female artists from the 1900's.

The Webb House is open March through December on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., and by appointment. The museum is located at 303 Granville Street, Newark. (740)345-8540 or (740)345-4898.

  FAIRFIELD County
Friday-night fiesta? Didgeridoo and Gamelan too? Country music's singer of the year? Where in the World of Music is Carmen Sandiego? Where else ... but Lancaster, Ohio for this summer's Lancaster Festival!

A unique and exciting cast of artists, dancers and musicians are yours to behold for 12 glorious days.

Jazz trumpet Doc Severinsen-and songstress Kathy Mattea on tap for two splendid Saturday night programs at Ohio University with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra.

Then there are Festival favorites: the Artwalk, Rising Park Day, Farm Fare Day, Cafe Concerts, Mornings at the Library and Matinees at the Mall. The Community Sing at the Lancaster Camp Ground also returns.

Outstanding musical soloists join the Festival Orchestra this summer. Bamboo flutist Leslie Burrs is composer in residence. The Bowling Green String Quartet make its debut. A the Wilkes Orchestral Fellow is Svetlana Popova from Orenburg, Russia, who is with us thanks to the remarkable tour of the Lancaster High School Percussion Ensemble to Russia last year.

To the many volunteers, supportera and businesses who help make the Festival happen we say an enormous thank you, They and I extend a hearty invitation to you to partake and enjoy the wonderful celebration of the arts and our local heritage that is the Lancaster Festival.

  LICKING County
The Sherwood Davidson House (1815) is an elegant Federal Period home filled with furniture, paintings and artifacts spanning the earliest history of Licking County through the end of the nineteenth century.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 1:00 - 4-00 p.m. or by appointment. Closed January and February. The house is located in Veterans Park at 6th and Church Streets beside Heisey Glass Museum. (740)345-4898.

Featured Central Ohio Businesses

MIRACLE HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST - (DELAWARE County)  Delaware
WILLOWBROOKE BED & BREAKFAST - (LICKING County)  Alexandria - Secluded elegance. Suite w/king-sized bed, fireplace, bath w/Jacuzzi & sauna. Additional rooms w/queen-sized beds. Private & shared baths. Full breakfast served....
THE FOLLETTE-WRIGHT HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST - (LICKING County)  Granville - Located in historic Granville. Within walking distance of Denison University, shopping and restaurants....
DUM-FORD HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST - (FAIRFIELD County)  Amanda - Dum-Ford House Bed and Breakfast is a circa 1845 house complete with antique furnishings, courtyard and gardens in a small southeastern Ohio village. Guests can relax in the privacy of their room, wa...
WINCHESTER HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST - (MADISON County)  London - 1893 Victorian family heirloom/antiques plentiful, private teddy bear collection, sauna, Jacuzzi, bicycles. Relax in Wicker Room parlor. Secluded deck w/fountain & flowers....
WESTERVILLE INN BED AND BREAKFAST - (FRANKLIN County)  Westerville - 1854 home filled with antiques and Amish quilts. Perennial gardens, water garden surrounded by 1/2 acre white picket fence. Walk to shopping. On Otterbein campus. One block to Motorcycle Heritage Muse...
COLLEGE AND GROVE BED & BREAKFAST - (FRANKLIN County)  Westerville - 1851 home adjacent to Otterbein College; amid uptown antique shops and historic area. Enjoy the picnic patio, music room and wicker clad porch for rocking! Private baths and full breakfast. Polaris Am...
GRANVILLE MANOR BED & BREAKFAST - (LICKING County)  Granville - 1850s home on 12 acres near Granville in area rich in history, natural beauty, and recreation. Close to antique shops, unique dining and unusual museums....
GERMAN VILLAGE BED AND BREAKFAST - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - 1850s Italianate home, antique furnishings and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast in the formal garden. Near everything in historic German Village and minutes from downtown Columbus....
BERKSHIRE CAMPGROUNDS - (LICKING County)  Galena
BUCKEYE LAKE KOA/COLS. EAST - (LICKING County)  Buckeye Lake
GENTLE BREEZE CABINS - (FAIRFIELD County)  Lancaster - One bedroom cabin, sleeps 4. Located on top of a ridge, beautiful view. Bath and kitchen fully equipped. Deck on back. Porch on front. Shelterhouse on grounds available for use. ...
AT TRAILS END CABIN - (FAIRFIELD County)  Pickerington - Large 3 bedroom cabin sleeps 10 located on Hocking River with 15 acres private pond. Ideal for family gatherings, reunions, retreats. INDOOR 8-person hot tub 1.5 baths huge stone fireplace....
PAINTED HORSE LODGE - (FAIRFIELD County)  Sugar Grove - Gorgeous Hocking Hills Lodge, fully equipped, private bedrooms. Now available and taking reservations. Conveniently located near Hocking Hills State Parks....
WILDCAT CABINS - (FAIRFIELD County)  Lancaster - Beautifully contructed and furnished log cabin nestled alongside a stream which meanders through the Hocking Hills. Hot Tub, fireplace, firering, accommodates 6 plus.After 500 PM 740-215-7810...
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - Upgraded amenities in rooms. Indoor pool, whirlpool and exercise room. Close to Convention Center, shopping and entertainment. Small meeting specialist....
THE PORCH HOUSE - (LICKING County)  Granville - This circa-1903 country Victorian bed & breakfast is located in the historic village of Granville. Private baths, A/C, full breakfast....
HYATT ON CAPITOL SQUARE - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - The finest downtown hotel. Adjacent to Columbus City Center Shopping & the Ohio Theatre. Superb dining, sports bar, newly renovated guest rooms....
RAMADA UNIVERSITY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - SR 315 Exit N. Broadway. 1 mile to Ohio State University, 3 miles to state fairgrounds and downtown....
CHERRY VALLEY LODGE - (LICKING County)  NEWARK - Refined, picturesque lodge in a country setting on 13 acres. 45 minutes east of Columbus. The sophisticated retreat with bed & breakfast intimacy....
RAMADA LIMITED NORTH - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - Newly renovated, 'Gold Key' winner hotel, free executive continental breakfast, easy access to downtown & airport, Jacuzzi suites available....
HOWARD JOHNSON MOTOR LODGE - (LICKING County)  Heath - Meeting/banquet rooms to 150, free continental breakfast, corporate/group rates, buses/trucks welcomed. Free HBO & cable, golf/weekend/family packages, Jacuzzi & waterbed suites....
BUZZ INN MOTEL - (LICKING County)  Hebron - Located at I-70 & SR 37, 25 miles east of Columbus....
VILLAGE INN MOTEL - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - Independently owned, 2-story motel located one mile south of downtown in the historic German Village area. Rates catering to the professional traveler....
THE DELAWARE HOTEL - (DELAWARE County)  Delaware - Experience the charm & friendly atmosphere of a small town & still be within a 30 minute drive of downtown Columbus via US 23....
INN ON CITY PARK - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - Enjoy German Village charm in this restored 1883 Italianate home. Historic Shciller Park at the front door and warm hospitality inside. Off-street parking....
THE COLLEGE INN - (FRANKLIN County)  Westerville - Elegantly restored 1870s brick Victorian in historic uptown and on Otterbein campus. Queen beds, private baths, buffet breakfast. Near Polaris Amphitheater, Muirfield and Easton....
COLUMBUS MARRIOTT NORTH - (FRANKLIN County)  Columbus - Deluxe, full-service hotel. Easily accessible from all major expressways. Restaurant, lounge, room service, 15,000 sq. ft. meeting & convention facilities....
WOODFIN SUITES - (FRANKLIN County)  Dublin - All-suite, full kitchen, 2 TV/VCRs, free videos, complimentary full hot breakfast, fireplaces available, free local calls, social hour, business center....
THE WORTHINGTON INN - (FRANKLIN County)  Worthington - 4-star Mobil rating. 26 exquisitely appointed hotel suites, furnished with stunning antiques. Highly acclaimed restaurant featuring regional American cuisine. Banquet facilities....
DEER CREEK RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER - (MADISON County)  Mt. Sterling - 110 spacious guest rooms & 25 housekeeping cottages nestled in a quiet and serene Ohio State Park. 10 meeting rooms accommodating up to 600....
CIRCLE CINEMA, INC. - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville
CHILLICOTHE PAINTS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL CLUB - (PICKAWAY County)  Chillicothe - The Chillicothe Paints Professional Baseball Club is a charter member of the Single 'A' Frontier League of Professional Baseball. Ten (10) teams throughout Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Miss...
HOTT MUSIC & GAMES - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville - Retail store selling new and used cd's, import cd's, cassettes, music videos, vinyl records, billiard and dart supplies, cd and vinyl accessories, t-shirts, posters, and collectables. Hott Music and G...
CHILLICOTHE PAINTS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL CLUB - (PICKAWAY County)  Chillicothe - The Chillicothe Paints Professional Baseball Club is a charter member of the Single 'A' Frontier League of Professional Baseball. Ten (10) teams throughout Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Miss...
DEER CREEK STATE PARK GOLF COURSE - (PICKAWAY County)  Mt. Sterling
UPPER LANSDOWNE GOLF LINKS - (PICKAWAY County)  Ashville
COOKS CREEK GOLF CLUB - (PICKAWAY County)  Ashville
THE PICKAWAY COUNTRY CLUB - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville
SLATE RUN HISTORICAL FARM & METRO PARK - (PICKAWAY County)  Carroll
GREEN'S HERITAGE VILLAGE - (PICKAWAY County)  Orient
SCIOTO VALLEY RAILROAD STATION - (PICKAWAY County)  Ashville - Last of the Scioto Valley Railroad Stations. Built in 1875 and refurbished in 1975. Volunteers found a large cache of Scioto Valley memorabilia in the attic which are now on display. Desk and stove...
OHIO'S SMALL TOWN MUSEUM - (PICKAWAY County)  Ashville - Home of the world's most unique traffic light, largest scrapbook, smartest rooster, the Snake Den Silver Nuggets, the dog the voted Republican, the driverless car, and host of inventors, authors, acto...
TED LEWIS MUSEUM - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville - Displaying memorabilia of the legendary jazz musician, Ted Lewis, this Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about 20th century American music. Within the Museum is the Ted Lewis Theater that pro...
REEB'S FARM MARKET - (PICKAWAY County)  Lockbourne
ASHVILLE COFFEE SHOP - (PICKAWAY County)  Ashville
COFFEE COVE - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville
SCIOTO DOWNS - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville
BAMBOO HOUSE RESTAURANT - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville
BEN & JOY'S RESTAURANT - (PICKAWAY County)  Mt. Sterling
THE PICKAWAY COUNTRY CLUB - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville
WITTICH'S FINE CANDIES & ICE CREAM SODA FOUNTAIN - (PICKAWAY County)  Circleville - Wittich's Candy has been operating since 1840, making it the oldest family-owned and operated confectionery in the U.S.A. We specialize in handmade chocolates, produced on-site in Circleville. We also...
CHERRY VALLEY LODGE - (LICKING County)  NEWARK - Refined, picturesque lodge in a country setting on 13 acres. 45 minutes east of Columbus. The sophisticated retreat with bed & breakfast intimacy....
BUCKEYE CENTRAL SCENIC RAILROAD - (LICKING County)  Hebron - Sit back as Buckeye Central Scenic Railroad whisks you away on an hour-long, 10-mile ride through the heart of local Ohio farmland....

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