Cemetery Tours coming in October and proceeds will benefit Champaign County Preservation Alliance !
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Oak Dale Cemetery was established in 1856 with 25 acres. Today the cemetery covers 60 acres. The tour will weave through one of the oldest parts of the cemetery where historical burials, monuments, and statues abound. 
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​You will be enlightened about some of Urbana’s past residents and their lives as the area’s history is revealed through stories involving mystery, victory, reveille, misery, glory, injury, chivalry, artillery, revelry, and maybe even purgatory. Come join us for an exciting evening!

The tour will be led by local historian John Bry. John holds a Bachelor of Science in historic preservation from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Science in historic preservation from Ball State University. He is an expert in historic cemeteries.

TIMES FOR THE OCTOBER 23 & 24 TOURS
There will be four tours each evening starting at
​5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00
Plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to your tour time to allow for parking and check-in
Duration of tour is approximately 45 minutes
Wear comfortable walking shoes & Bring your flashlight and your curiosity ​​
​Each time slot will accommodate 45 attendees
MASKS REQUIRED in areas where social distancing isn’t possible
NO PETS PERMITTED
TICKETS - PRE-SALE ONLY
​NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR
Tickets are $10 per person
--$5 for children 6-12
-- Free for children under 6
Tickets are available online

Tickets are also available at the Urbana Chamber of Commerce
Open: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Location: 127 W Court Street, Urbana
Ticket purchases are non-refundable
The tour is not handicapped accessible

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

​1. Explore a Cave
 
If you have never been in a cave before what better time of the year to do it? Thankfully we have one of Ohio’s best caverns right in our backyard. You can visit Ohio Caverns any time of the year to experience the year-round temperature of 54 degrees. Directly above the caverns is a 35-acre park where you can have a picnic lunch before or after your adventure!
 
2. Local Wine Tasting
 
If you are looking for a way to spend an afternoon outside in the crisp fall air, plan an afternoon wine tasting at Folck Family Farm. They make wine from the berries they grow on their farm including strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry. You can sometimes even catch some live acoustic music while you are there. 
 
3. Enjoy Comfort Food for Dinner

Lincoln and Main is a restaurant and bar located in Urbana, Ohio. It all started with a food truck, Dine and Dash, and has formed into an amazing restaurant where you can find great beer and food. Their menu is built of comfort food and slow smoked meats and they are constantly creating new dishes to add to it.

4. Pick Fresh Apples for Baking

A classic fall date idea is to go apple picking! Head over to Nana’s Orchard to pick apples of 15 different varieties. Their apples are ready at different times throughout the season, but there will always be something great to choose from. Once you have your apples you can head home to make pie, cobbler, candy apples, and so much more!

5. Go on a Scenic Hike

Tall, majestic oak trees and beautiful tulip trees make Davey Woods an excellent place to go for a scenic fall hike. The hilly terrain, unique for this part of Ohio, provides hikers with an unforgettable experience. Along your hike you might also run across the Pence family cemetery.

6. Enjoy a Classic Movie Night

Gloria Theatre by GrandWorks has been hard at work on renovations to their building but this is not slowing the down! You can take in a movie here any day of the week but be sure to check their schedule online to see what they are playing. They often have throwback nights to nostalgic films of the past but play current films as well.

7. Carve Pumpkins Together

Nothing says fall like carving pumpkins! Get the best pumpkin for the job at Seth’s Produce & Garden Center. Starting about mid-September you will find pumpkins and gourds of all shapes and sizes there. Get a little competitive and post your results on Facebook to have your friends and family vote on who’s is better!

8. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte

This is a fall essential. It is the season for all things pumpkin spice, but the one that started it all is the Pumpkin Spice Latte. We recommend you ditch the chain shops though and grab one from the Spotted Cow Coffehouse. You can shake things up and try their Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte or the ShiverMoo with pumpkin!

9. Visit a Haunted Attraction
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If you like the kind of fall activity that leaves you feeling scared, try heading to a local haunted attraction like Crybaby Bridge. Legend has it that in the 1800’s a woman threw her baby off the bridge and you can still hear it cry to this day. The bridge was one located on Black Road but no longer stands. Allegedly all of the supernatural activity in the area has ended, but why not go see for yourselves?

10. Go for a Drive to see the Leaves

Champaign County is lucky to have so many amazing spots to find fall foliage. There are an abundant number of backroads to travel but for the easy-going a drive straight down US Highway 68 will leave you with an amazing view of fall. If you have more time, consider traveling US Highway 36 which runs East and West through all of Champaign County. 

A Night of Workship will be taking place in Monument Square on Friday, September 4th at 7pm.

​Click here to learn more abut this event. 

Submitted by Champaign Co. Visitors Bureau

Calling all history buffs! Established on March 1, 1805, Champaign County became the 18th of 88 counties in Ohio. With over 200 years of rich and varied history to discover in these eight stops along the Champaign County Heritage Trail, the county offers something for everyone seeking to explore the past.​

​We all have family history and it is the first history we ever learn. Start your journey in West Liberty at Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek where you can explore the lives of the Piatt family as a case study and in the process think about your own family history. Nestled in the gorgeous countryside, Piatt Castle has been a popular destination for over 100 years. All tours at Piatt Castle are facilitated self-guided journeys through historical artifacts, photographs, exhibits, and explanatory text.

Head west to Saint Paris, where the Pony Wagon Town Historical Museum awaits. The museum, which was once a railroad depot, offers in-depth details on the history of Saint Paris, Ohio with historic artifacts on site for your viewing pleasure. Known as “Pony Wagon Town”, Saint Paris was the home of Walborn & Riker Company, known worldwide for quality pony pleasure vehicles.

Travel to the county seat of Urbana for four attractions all in close proximity. Grimes Field Municipal Airport is part of the National Aviation Heritage Area and is the
home of three free museums where you will land on a goldmine of aviation history. The Champaign Aviation Museum is home to eight vintage aircraft including a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, being restored to flying condition and a WWII B-25 MItchell fully restored and flying. The Grimes Flying Lab and Museum will illuminate your understanding of aircraft lighting that makes aviation safer for all of us. The Grimes Flying Lab Foundation is dedicated to the Flying Lab test vehicle, as well as preserving the legacy of Warren G. Grimes. The third museum located at Grimes Field, Mid America Flight Museum North, is home to the Travel Air 6000 restoration project. Here a team of dedicated volunteers spend countless hours restoring this aircraft as well as a Stinson Model A Tri-moor (The only existing one in the world).

Once you have had your fill of aviation history, travel back in time at the Champaign County Historical Museum, where the history of Champaign County has been preserved. Learn about the Native American tribes who lived here, the county’s earliest setters, its role in the Civil War and Underground Railroad. This is where the history of Champaign County is chronicled and where it comes to life!

A few miles away is Oak Dale Cemetery with its majestic oaks, historic monuments and winding driveways. The cemetery is home to a recently-restored replica of a John Quincy Adams Ward statue that was the first statue by an American artist placed in New York City’s Central Park. Also of note is the grave of legendary frontiersman, Simon Kenton, that is marked by a life-sized statue started by John Quincy Adams Ward and completed over 100 years later by local artist, Mike Major.

Travel to the center of town to the Monument Square Historic District and stroll down the beautiful tree-lined Scioto Street Historic District with its grand historic homes. The Man on the Monument, a statue of a Union soldier who looks North, is the focus of the round about and town square. Take in the unique and historical architecture of downtown while you shop and dine. Don’t miss out on the antique and vintage shops where you can take a piece of history home with you. Just south of the square you can take in a movie or performance at the Gloria Theatre, a 113 year old theatre with a rich history of its own, that is being restored and renovated into a modern entertainment venue.

The last stop in Urbana takes you to Freedom Grove, nestled on the Southside of Urbana, it is the perfect place for reflection and remembrance, with a beam from the fallen World Trade Center as the focal point.

Finally, head East to the Village of Mechanicsburg with a visit to Maple Grove Cemetery. Two interments of note are William Bart Saxbe, former United States Ambassador and Senator from Ohio, and Addison White, a runaway slave. A historical marker on Main Street tells the story of White and how the people of Mechanicsburg paid $900 for his freedom.

If you are craving even more history stop by the Champaign County Visitors Bureau located at 127 W. Court Street in Urbana for self guided tour brochures that include the Historic Homes of Scioto Street, Historical Markers of Champaign County, a Downtown Urbana Architectural Treasure Hunt, and a Tombstone Trail. For history lovers planning an overnight trip, the Cobblestone Hotel-Urbana is offering special rates for those participating in the Heritage Trail.  Call the hotel directly and ask for the FFT rate. For more visitors information go to visitchampaignohio.com.

By Chelsea Bray: Elle A. Design

Driving down US Highway 68 you will find many amazing stops but travel slightly off the beaten path and you will find an absolute treasure. Dragonfly Vineyard and Wine Cellar is located between West Liberty and Urbana on Herr Road. This beautiful location is owned and operated by Kent and Connie Eichenauer. They planted their first four acres of grapes in 2011 with no intention of operating their own winery. Eventually Kent got curious enough to start making wine in their basement and their very first Riesling was produced.
 
Early on Kent became involved in the viticulture program through Ohio State and the Wine Producers Association. This helped him form great relationships with other local winemakers. Their support from fellow Ohio winemakers helped guide them on this incredible journey.

​They invested in their own equipment to harvest, crush, ferment and store their own vineyard grapes and started serving their homemade wine to friends and family. The response was more than they could have imagined and the support and encouragement to open their own winery pushed them to begin their new adventure.   
 
They opened Dragonfly Vineyard and Wine Cellar in June 2019. They currently grow four acres of grapes including Vidal, Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Marquette and LaCreseant. They have neighbors who grow Frontenac that they harvest also. Their knowledge and love for wine really shines through in each bottle. 

​If you are interested in visiting Dragonfly Vineyard and Wine Cellar, they are currently open Thursday from 5:00-9:00PM and Friday and Saturday 12:00-9:00PM. There are some new guidelines they are implementing during COVID-19 and you can see them all on their website. They sometimes have live music and other events happening at the vineyard and you can find more info about those on their facebook page. 

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

​We humans are not the only ones getting tired of staying at home all the time. Your dog is ready to get out and explore too! There is so much you can do right here in Champaign County to treat your dog to a day out.
 
If your pup is in need of a spa day look no further than the Lil Dog Ranch. They offer full grooming services. You can book a bath and brush which includes a nail trim, ear cleaning and bandana. If your dog needs a haircut, they can do that too! They even offer flea treatments and teeth brushing. All of your dogs’ grooming needs can be taken care of in just one stop. 

​Once your dog is looking their best, it is time to hit the town and make some new friends. Head over to Fido’s Field, Urbana’s dog park. Here you will find 2.4 acres for your pup to enjoy. There are two doggie drinking fountains and separate areas for dogs under 25 pounds and dogs over 25 pounds. There are benches available for the human guests and plenty of shade when it’s time to take a break. After your break you can hit the agility area and test your dogs’ skills.
 
After a long day of being pampered and making friends your dog is sure to be ready for a special treat. There are so many great local places you can head to that offer treats for pups of all sizes. At The Depot in Urbana you can stop on their patio and enjoy some shade while you have a coffee and your dog has a pup cup (a cup of whipped cream). They also have water bowls available inside that you can ask for while you visit. If you are looking for more than a cup of coffee, there are many places you can grab lunch where you can bring your dog too! Dairy Queen, Crabill’s, and Spotted Cow all have outdoor seating where your dog is welcome to join you for lunch or dinner. 

​At the end of a long day you can stay at Cobblestone Hotel in Urbana, Ohio. The new hotel on the south end of town is pet friendly! When booking a room just mention that you will be bringing your pup with you. It is an additional $25 per night for your pet and there is plenty of room to walk your dog and doggie bags available. If you need to leave, the staff will take down your phone number so if anything happens, they will give you a call.
 
We hope you and your dog have a great time visiting Champaign County! Let us know what your favorite stop was along the way.  

Ohio’s Mad River is a popular brown trout fishery with the river being stocked yearly with over 12,000 brown trout by the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s fish hatcheries. In Champaign County, this river flows through the county with multiple access points, including a newly created, state owned access point near the intersection of State Route 296 and State Route 29, just north of Urbana.

In addition to fishing and fly fishing, the Mad River is one of Ohio’s great places to kayak and canoe. Birch Bark Canoe Livery provides rentals of canoes and kayaks for paddlers who want to enjoy the cool and clear waters of the Mad River. In most places within the river, the water is only 2-3 feet deep with the river bottom visible to paddlers, and the gentle current of the river allows for a leisurely pace.

For the camping enthusiast, Champaign County is home to Kiser Lake State Park and Rittenhouse Resort which both offer camping sites. Campsite reservations are required for Kiser Lake State Park and can be placed by calling (866) OHIOPARKS or by reserving online. Kiser Lake State Park features a 396-acre lake and is a popular destination for camping, swimming, non-motorized boating, picnicking, hiking, and fishing. Rittenhouse Resort is a privately owned, 40-acre campground that is open May through October and features a swimming lake and fishing pond.

The Simon Kenton Trail bike trail extends through Champaign County and connects to the larger Miami Valley trail system which features the nation’s largest paved trail network of over 340 miles of trail. In total, the Simon Kenton Trail is a 35-mile trail adventure from Springfield, through Urbana, and up to Bellefontaine. Within Champaign County, parking and access to the trail is available at County Line Road, at Woodburn Road, at State Route 55, and at the restored Urbana Depot. In addition to public parking, the restored depot on Miami Street in Urbana features public restrooms and a popular coffeehouse.

For the nature lover, Champaign County is home to three, stated owned nature preserves, including Cedar Bog, Davey Woods, and Siegenthaler-Kaestner Esker. Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is located just south of Urbana and is considered by many to be Ohio’s premier natural area. The site is home to many rare plants and animals and it is a National Natural Landmark, one of only twenty-five such sites in the State of Ohio. A boardwalk and nature center are also located on site. Davey Woods State Nature Preserve is a 103-acre mature forest woodland featuring tulip trees, sugar maples, and oak. This site is a great place for hiking or fall color viewing. Siegenthaler-Kaestner Esker State Nature Preserve is a 37-acre preserve that features glacial landforms.

More evidence of glaciers can be found at the county’s caves that are open to the public. Cave Adventures is home to an extraordinarily breathtaking cave where guests descend 33 feet underground. Each guest is fitted with their own helmet and headlamps to guide the way in this unique adventure, to be explored in the most primitive sense. Crawl, climb and walk as you discover splendid stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, flow stones, curtains and more! The ancient cavern boasts a “red room” that will astound all visitors. 
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No trip to Champaign County is complete without visiting Ohio's largest and most beautiful cavern! Ohio Caverns is an all-weather attraction that is open all year. Each tour is guided and is a comfortable walk through the cavern. Each tour takes approximately one hour where the temperature remains a constant 54 degrees throughout the year. The tours are educational and provide the public with an opportunity to see the wonderful world of underground beauty. 

Lastly, Champaign County is a destination for both disc golfers and traditional golfers alike. The Hilltop Disc Golf Course at Melvin Miller Park in Urbana is free and offers nine open holes and nine wooded holes with varying terrain. In addition, Melvin Miller Park also offers an additional nine disc golf course that is located on flat terrain. Beyond disc golf, Champaign County is home to the Urbana Country Club, Lakeland Golf Club, and Woodland Golf Club.

For outdoor adventurers planning an overnight trip, the Cobblestone Hotel-Urbana is offering special rates for those participating in the Explore the Outdoors Trail. Call the hotel directly and ask for the FFT rate.

​To learn more about the unique destinations and attractions in Urbana and Champaign County, follow the Champaign County Visitors Bureau on Facebook and Instagram or check us out on the web at www.visitchampaignohio.com. 

Submitted by Champaign County Visitors Bureau

By Chealsea Bray- Elle A. Design

​Planning a trip can sometimes be more stressful than relaxing. Let us do the work for you as we plan out some of the must-see spots in Champaign County! Schedule this weekend getaway for you and your family and come see how much our small town has to offer. 

​Get a coffee at Hemisphere Coffee Roasters – 275 E. Sandusky St, Mechanicsburg, Ohio 43044
Start your day out with a great cup of coffee! Hemisphere Coffee Roasters is an amazing local coffee roaster. They provide many local businesses with their blends and have fans all over the country! We suggest you try their blueberry cobbler coffee; it is a local favorite! You can buy whole beans or grounds to take home too.
 
Grab some breakfast and a snack at Simple Comforts – 1 S Main Street, Mechanicsburg, Ohio 43044
If you need more than just a cup of great coffee to get your day started, you can swing by Simple Comforts and get a baked good and have breakfast on the go. They also have smoothies and hot chocolate for non-caffeinated breakfast alternatives. Grab a snack to take in the car and head on to the next stop.
 
Get going on a walk with the Scioto Street Self-Guided Tour – Begins at 205 Scioto Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078
Once you are fueled and ready for an adventure you can head to Urbana and enjoy the self-guide tour of Scioto Street. The tour is a half mile long and showcases homes built as early as 1805. This street is full of the history of Urbana and Champaign County, and highlights some of the most notorious families from the area. If you are a fan of history or architecture this tour is for you!
 
Ready for Lunch? Head to Mumford’s Potato Chips and Deli – 325 N Main Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078
When you are ready to refuel and stop for lunch make sure Mumford’s Potato Chips and Deli is on your list! This hometown staple has been serving the community since 1932. Upon entering Mumford’s, you will feel as if you are stepping into the home of a friend. This deli-style shop is a great place to enjoy a sandwich right in downtown Urbana.
 
Explore the hidden gem of Grimes Field Municipal Airport – 1636 N Main Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078
You will find more than you expect at this small airport in Urbana. Grimes Field Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport located one mile north of Urbana. It is the only airport in the United States with three museums on site, one of which is the Champaign Aviation Museum. Here you will find fully restored vintage aircrafts including a B-25 that you can even take a flight in! They are currently working to restore other planes including a B-17 Flying Fortress that is a very special ongoing project. You can support their long-term goals of renovation by making a donation on their site. Also onsite is the Airport Café. Their pie is the talk of the town and you won’t want to leave without enjoying a piece while you watch airplanes land and take-off.
 
Take in a movie at Gloria Theatre – 213 S Main Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078
After a long day out and about you can relax for the evening by taking in a movie at the Gloria Theatre in Downtown Urbana. This theatre originally opened more than 113 years ago and still shows movies today! The theatre only has one screen and is an experience unlike any other. The theatre is being restored by the GrandWorks Foundation to be a venue for movies and live theater in the near future.
 
Stay the Night at the Brand-New Cobblestone Hotel – 170 OH-55, Urbana, Ohio 43078
The Cobblestone Hotel is one of the newest businesses in Urbana having just opened earlier this year! With all the amenities of a large hotel but the feel of a small town, you will feel right at home and have a very comfortable stay here. They have an indoor pool that can be enjoyed year-round. The facility is even dog friendly, so your beloved pet doesn’t have to stay behind as you explore all Champaign County has to offer. Get a great night’s sleep to prepare for another great day in Champaign County! 

​Start the day with great coffee and amazing breakfast at The Depot Coffee House – 644 Miami St, Urbana, Ohio 43078.
As you start your second day exploring Champaign County you can grab breakfast at the hotel before hitting the road. If you need a coffee fix on your way, be sure to stop at The Depot Coffee House! This gem is located inside an old Railroad Depot and the history you feel when you enter is unlike anything else. They serve amazing coffee, lattes, and other specialty drinks. You can also get a baked good to take with you before you head to your next adventure.    
 
Get ready for a full day of fun at Kiser Lake – 4889 OH0235, Conover, Ohio 45317
The area offers six hiking trails that offer amazing views of the water and of the marshland that surrounds the lake. If you would rather relax you can visit the swimming beach that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can also rent a boat from one of the two boat rental locations within the park to go fishing or to just see more of this amazing lake. There are tables and grills at the park as well as shelters to enjoy your lunch at. If you just can’t get enough of the lake, there are 115 camping spots available to stay overnight. You can also take advantage of the “Rent-a-Camp” units by reservation so you don’t have to pack your own tent! There is so much to do a Kiser lake you will want to plan a whole day there to make sure you have seen it all.
 
As you pack up and head for home, we hope your conversation on the way is about how much fun you had in Champaign County! We hope you will tell you friends to visit and that you will want to come back too. There is so much more to see and do but this weekend plan will get you acquainted with our small towns and all they offer. We can’t wait to see you again! 
Explore all of Champaign County by visiting the Champaign County Visitor's Bureau.

By Chelsea Bray- Elle A. Design

Health and wellness are at the forefront of everyone’s mind right now. Your physical and mental health stretch much further than just making sure you don’t get sick. It is about taking care of your mind and body completely. We are lucky to live in a community that offers many ways to make sure we get the care we need. Everything you need to stay healthy can be found right here in Champaign County!
 
Take a Fitness Class
​Pulse Fitness – 407 W Court St, Urbana, Ohio

​Pulse Fitness in Urbana offers a variety of ways to keep active. They have group classes for aerobics, cardio and more. No matter your fitness level, you can find a class to help push you and keep you motivate. They also offer personal training and have membership options. They want everyone who comes to their gym to feel welcome and safe. Right now they have safety regulations in place due to COVID19 that you can learn more about on their Facebook page. 

Go Golfing
Lakeland Golf Club – 1772 Kiser Lake Road, St. Paris, Ohio

Golf is a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels. If you are looking for something more laid back you can take a cart, but if you are up for the challenge you can walk all 18 holes. The Lakeland Golf Club course offers five sets of tees for players of all skill levels. They offer special rates for tee times throughout the week which can be found on their website. In the off-season you can take advantage of their virtual golf center. To see info about upcoming events, league info, and closings due to weather you can follow them on Facebook.

Try Salt Therapy
NaCl Salt Spa – 646 Bodey Circle, Urbana, Ohio

​Never heard of a salt spa? We can help you out! The NaCl Salt Spa in Urbana offers a unique type of therapy known as halotherapy, or dry salt therapy. This natural treatment can be enjoyed by just sitting back and relaxing in a room full of salt, or in the form of a massage treatment. They even have a room full of salt for children to dig in and play while they are taking in the benefits from dry salt therapy. There is an entire list of symptoms and conditions that can be improved with dry salt therapy on their website. Visit their Facebook page to keep up to date on new offerings and updated hours. 

Grab a Nutritious Treat
Downtown Nutrition – 221 N Main Street, Urbana, Ohio

​One of the newest additions to Downtown Urbana, Downtown Nutrition offers some amazing healthy alternatives to some of your favorite treats. These shakes may just look and taste like a yummy treat, but they pack a powerful nutritious punch. They provide fiber, protein, and even vitamins and minerals that your body needs! Their flavor options seem to be endless and they are always coming up with something new. Follow them on Facebook to check out new flavors and learn more about what they offer.
 
Connect with Nature
Cedar Bog Nature Preserve – 980 Woodburn Road, Urbana, Ohio

​Sometimes you just need a nice long walk through nature to get your body moving and your mind to slow down. Champaign County is lucky to have the perfect spot for that! The Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is one of only 25 National Natural Landmarks in Ohio. The boardwalk is a beautiful path that takes you through the bog on a hike you won’t forget. You can access the boardwalk seven days a week from sunrise to sundown. If you want to learn more about the bog, you can visit the onsite Nature Center which is open Thursday-Saturday from 12am-4pm and some Sundays. Visit their Facebook page to see amazing photos and to keep up to date on their current hours.
 
Take time to invest in yourself. Your mind, body and soul will thank you.