Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Back Roads’ Category

Noble County Celebrates America 250

This Noble County America 250 coin was designed locally.

This year the United States is commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Counties throughout Ohio are celebrating in various ways. Noble County has plans throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy.

In 1776, the land would still have been a wilderness with Indians keeping watch on any hunters or trappers that ventured that way. The first settlers in the Noble County area were New Englanders coming from Marietta up the valley of Duck Creek. The area was rich in mineral resources such as coal, iron ore, building stone, petroleum and salt. Many were involved in farming after the Treaty of Greenville ended the Indian threat in this part of Ohio. It was among the first places in the Northwest Territory to be surveyed by Rufus Putnam and settled by Revolutionary War veterans.

The Tourist Information Cabin is located at the Noble County Fairground where July 4th celebration takes place.

250 years later, Caldwell is a thriving small town that is joining in the America 250 celebration in several ways. The celebration began with their 49th Art on the Square but this year with the square under construction, they called it Art off the Square. Besides the art displays, there were several small bands playing on a stage decorated in red, white, and blue.

Caldwell is continuing their celebration on June 29 with a movie in Floral Hall at the Fairgrounds sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Fair Board. “The Pledge” (also called “Doughboy”) stars a local actor, Barrett Carnahan, and is free to the public.

This is the 28th year for the Car Show at the Fairgrounds.

July 4th seems to be the day for the biggest events all across Ohio. In Caldwell, spend all day enjoying music, fun, and festivities. It begins at the Noble County Fairgrounds with the Noble County Cruiser Car Show – 28 years and still rolling. There will also be a Story Walk at the Fairgrounds sponsored by the 4-H Council using the book “The Flag We Love” which tells how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation’s tradition and heritage.

This is a great view of the Fairgrounds during a previous year’s Car Show.

The 4-H Chicken BBQ starts at 11 am until they sell out which is always before 3 pm. The awards will be at 3 pm. Proceeds from this event will support local 4-H members.

The Floral Hall will be a busy place with displays set up along the sides and picnic tables down the middle of the hall for eating a meal. Or you might rather bring a blanket and sit outside to have a picnic.

Floral Hall is a great place to learn more about Noble County or just sit and relax with friends.

The displays will cover a wide range of family friendly activities all in one place. There will be free gifts, kites to make, a community puzzle, temporary tattoos and more. America 250 Ohio will make available special Homecoming Kits, courtesy of Cenovus Energy. America 250 Noble and the Noble County Historical Society will have displays from 1876 to1976.

There will be representatives from 4-H, Veterans, D.A.R., and Friends for OR&W Railroad, who will talk to you about early railroads. The Performing Arts group and Noble County Genealogy will each have a table. Don’t miss the giant birthday cake!

Happy Time Pool is the perfect place to cool off during the day.

For those who want to cool off on a hot summer day, the Happy Time Pool on the Fairgrounds will be open from 11 am to 5:30 pm. A great place to relax!

Outside you will find the banner made by the Noble Correction Institute with the names of the Revolutionary War veterans buried in Noble County. There will be a handout with a list for those who want to go to the cemetery. At 5:30, there will be a short program about the Revolutionary War Veterans.

Food vendors will open at 4 pm for the afternoon picnic if you don’t want to bring your own food. Red, white, and blue popcorn will be made on site for you to enjoy. Cornhole games will be available in the afternoon.

Little Creek Band will provide musical entertainment during the evening before the fireworks.

Little Creek Band will play from 6 – 8 pm on the RO Stage. They play a wide variety of music including classic rock, prime, and newer country. Come out and enjoy this Noble County group.

The day ends at 10 pm with a fireworks display at the fairgrounds that will light up the sky. It is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and many local businesses.

America 250 events continue throughout Noble County. Here are a sampling of those events:

  • Batesville, July 1, is opening a 1976 time capsule and planting a White Oak America 250 tree.
  • Belle Valley, July 11, celebrates America 250 downtown with a bounce house, games and a benefit dinner.
  • Fireman’s Festival, July 23-25, starts off with a big parade to celebrate small town Americana at its best.
  • Seneca Township, August 11, is having a homecoming picnic.
  • Thorla McKee Park Open Door, September 12, 2-4 pm, shares stories of the first oil well in America and the railroad.
  • Noble County Historical Society Open Door
  • Appalachian Foothills Fall Festival and Iron and Power Show, September 19-20, will have the Revolutionary War Veterans Banner and a giant birthday cake for America’s 250th birthday.

In 2026, Ohio has set up several America 250 Trails throughout the state to promote its history, and Noble County is included in three of those trails.

Noble County is part of the new America 250 – Ohio Transportation Trail, which includes more than 80 locations tied to Ohio’s transportation history. There are six planned routes for this Trails & Tales program.

This red caboose serves as a historical marker for the area’s railroad legacy.

The site being featured in Noble County is the Caldwell Caboose No. 33, which is located at the Thorla McKee Well Site at the intersection of state routes 78 and 584. The caboose was donated by the Clarence and Geneva Lowman family in 1993 and serves as a historical marker of the region’s railroad legacy. The BZ&C Railroad played an important role in transportation of coal, oil, timber, freight and passengers. This provided economic growth in Noble County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The original sycamore casing can still be seen at the Thorla McKee Oil Well site.

Another exciting trail, America 250 – Ohio Innovation Trail includes the Thorla McKee Oil Well. In 1814, Noble County was the first to strike oil in North America. Silas Thorla and Robert McKee were searching for salt and came up with oil, which they sold as salve and a “cure-all” called Seneca Oil.

The Historic Jail Museum housed both prisoners and the sheriff.

For the history buff, America 250- Ohio Air & Space Trail includes the Historic Jail Museum. Built in 1882, the jail in those days was a place where both the jail and the sheriff’s residence were under one roof. See unique displays of that old jail plus more. It is located on “The Square” in downtown Caldwell.

Sounds like there are many ways to enjoy America 250. Join in the celebration of 250 years of independence with your family and friends in Noble County in 2026.

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Back Roads, Family Fun, History, Museums, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Harrison County Celebrates America 250

While celebrating the semi quincentennial of the United States, Harrison County as well as most counties in Ohio have planned several special events for this occasion.

It is only natural to wonder what Harrison County was like 250 years ago. At that time it was an untamed wilderness in the Ohio Country filled with thick forests. It was the “Wild West’ at that time as it was west of the Ohio River. It’s primary use then was a hunting grounds for several Native American tribes. The first white settlers were appearing in the region in 1776, particularly along Short Creek. Fort Henry in what is today’s Wheeling was established to protect the white settlers from the Indian attacks. Only the adventuresome were in what we call Harrison County today.

Today’s Harrison County is filled with small towns of friendly people, who enjoy being away from the big city atmosphere. Join in the celebration of America 250 throughout the year with some of the following America 250 events.

Deersville Community VFD. May 23. Uncle Sam wants you to stop by the Annual Fireman’s Festival to celebrate America 250. It features their annual water battle between departments. The parade begins at 3:00. Enjoy their fish fry and Chinese Auction while in town. Remember to stop by Deersville General Store for some patriotic ice cream flavors: Apple Pie, Whitehouse, Fireworks, Life, Liberty & Pursuit of Chocolate, and Birthday Cake.

Cadiz Downtown

A busy day is planned for July 11 in Cadiz with most events being in the vicinity of the Harrison County Courthouse. It all begins with a pancake breakfast followed by interesting historical talks, a car show, and more.

A Clark Gable movie was the perfect choice for Ohio at the Movies.

Puskarich Library. The staff of the library will have games for the youngsters to play from 11-12. The library has already had several America 250 events and plan more for later this year. Previous events included: Dangerfield Newby’s Fight for Freedom, Ohio at the Movies with Clark Gable in Mutiny on the Bounty, Local Revolutionary War Patriots of Harrison County, and Project Johnny Appleseed.

Bake your favorite Apple Pie for the contest in downtown Cadiz on July 11.

Apple Pie Baking Contest. Following that Good Old USA saying of “Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Chevrolet,” an Apple Pie baking contest will be a highlight of the day. Entries must be there by noon and winners will be announced before the parade.

Many of the events in Cadiz for America 250 on July 11 will be in the vicinity of the Harrison County Courthouse.

Harrison County Courthouse‘s courtroom will be the place to learn the history of America at 10:30. Later, at 12:30 you will learn about the history of Appalachia on the courthouse steps. History will be given by Atty. Charles Adrian Pincola of Cadiz. The Harrison County Bicentennial Bell, cast in 2003, is located at the courthouse and will be included in the presentation.

Songs by the Harrison County Choral Group will put you in a patriotic spirit for America 250.

Harrison County Choral Group. At 12:30, a selection of patriotic songs will be presented on the courthouse steps by members of this local musical group.

America 250 Parade. The parade will end the day downtown at 2:00 pm. It will follow the usual parade route from S. Main Street to East Market Street. Everybody loves a parade.

Catch the spirit of America during the Freedom Race at Sally Buffalo Park with American flags flying.

Sally Buffalo Park. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of our freedoms. A Freedom 5K race will be held in the afternoon of July 11 with entrants carrying American flags as they race. Prizes will be given to the Most Patriotic dressed male and female. The oldest person there will receive a miniature Statue of Liberty award. There will be food vendors and beer gardens at the park all day for refreshments.

Their new stage is the perfect place for concerts all summer long.

The Mark at the Park. Throughout the day on July 11, there will be free concerts including Gage Joseph Band, The Michael Weber Show and Crush (Bon Jovi Tribute). All of this is followed by a dynamic Fireworks Display at dark.

Get a close up view of National Guard helicopters when they land at Sally Buffalo Park.

Veterans / First Responders Jamboree. Sept. 12. The sixth annual Jamboree opens at 9:00 sponsored by Operation Veteran Payback in honor of America 250. There is a free breakfast from 9-11 for all Veterans, First Responders, and their spouses. This is furnished by Operation Veteran Payback with the assistance of Adena American Legion Post Auxiliary. It will be a great time to observe helicopters from Ohio and WV National Guard as they fly over and land at Sally Buffalo Park. A 2.2K Suicide Awareness Walk will take place. Bands will fill the evening with music.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Faith Ranch on horseback. Reserve a time sometime soon.

Harvest Festival at Faith Ranch. Sept. 19. Experience the beauty of early fall with activities for all ages. Enjoy baked goods, handcrafted decorations, festive snacks, crafts, and games. There will even be inflatables and a hay castle! Celebrate America 250 with some traditional events such as a scenic hayride or pony rides. Pre-register for a 30-minute trail ride just like they did in those early days. Admission is free and tickets/wristbands can be purchased for activities. Join in their fall festivities!

All 88 Ohio counties are creating special events for America 250, our nation’s 250th birthday. Watch for patriotic happenings in your home town. Give thanks for all our special freedoms.

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Back Roads, Festivals, History, Music, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area

The rugged terrain includes many ponds and creeks.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” ~ John Muir

Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area was purchased from American Electric Power from 2018 -2021. Many may not be familiar with its new name. The Wildlife Area is located in portions or Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Guernsey counties in Southeastern Ohio. Primary access to the area is from State Route 78 or State Route 83.

Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area consists of 54,525 acres, which surrounds Jesse Owens State Park. Various types of coal mining, including strip mining, took place here during the 20th century. This offers the perfect place of habitat for many wildlife species as it contains forest, grassland, wetlands, small streams, and ponds.

The new Visitor Center at Appalachian Hills Wilderness Area opens on April 25

A new Visitor Center will provide an educational experience to celebrate southeast Ohio’s wild spaces. Ribbon cutting ceremony is on April 24, 2026. This two-story center will highlight a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all Ohioans to enjoy. Inside, educational and interactive displays highlight the history of the region. Outside, a 350-degree scenic ramp and observation deck is a great place to observe wildlife.

The Visitor Center as it appeared when near completion in late March.

Jordan Skates, manager of the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area and Visitor Center, expressed her hopes for the area. “The Visitor Center will have various displays that capitalize on aspects of the wildlife area, almost as a gateway to adventure of the property. Our staff looks forward to hosting a variety of educational programming in partnership with Jesse Owens State Parks to provide interactive hunting, fishing, and naturalist programs. We look forward to welcoming both newcomers and those who have been coming to the property to explore or camp for generations.”

A herd of buffalo borrowed from the Wilds will be near the Visitor Center.

Plans are to have a herd of bison at a nearby site for ease of viewing. Bison are native to Ohio but were wiped out in the 1800s. By placing a herd here, visitors will learn the history of the bison as well as the importance of conserving land and habitats so other species will not be eradicated. The herd of bison will be on loan from The Wilds, where a bison breeding program is taking place.

Over 360 scattered lakes and ponds created during the reclamation process provide great fishing prospects for anglers. Largemouth bass and bluegill are the predominant species of fish found here.

Grab A Life Jacket at this handy station in Owens State Park.

Life jackets save lives and now they are easier to borrow than ever! There is a Life Jacket Loaner Station to help keep people safe on the water. The station is located at Sand Hollow Campground right beside the boat ramp, and is stocked with free-to-borrow life jackets in sizes from infant to adult oversized. Grab what you need, enjoy your time on the water, and return them when finished. No matter if you are boating, fishing, or paddling, wearing a life jacket can make all the difference in your safety.

White Tailed Deer are a popular attraction for hunters.
Wild turkeys are also plentiful throughout the Wilderness area.

Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area is a popular destination for hunting. The places left undisturbed during the mining process make great fields for hunting. Here you will find white-tailed deer, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, mourning dove, squirrel and grouse and perhaps some surprises.

Several stories about Bigfoot’s appearance in the area make for added excitement.

The rugged terrain is dissected by numerous small streams. Trappers take delight as here is an opportunity to find nearly all Ohio furbearers due to the diverse nature of the area.

The map shows where Appalachian Hill Wilderness Area is located as well as Jesse Owens State Park.

It’s also a great destination for bird watching. Many bird species, some rare, are found throughout the unique grassland/brushland landscape. They annually plant acres of food plots for dove fields.

For astronomy observation and astrophotography, Grieser Field provides a great view of the nighttime sky. It is located in Morgan County near Lawrence Road. This area is for nighttime hours.

Free primitive camping is available with no reservation required but spots fill up quickly.

If you want to spend a few days, visit their free primitive campsites. No reservations are required with a 14-day camping limit so everyone has a chance to enjoy the area. You have to provide your own water and firewood but fun and relaxation are available at no cost.

This is one of the new cabins that were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. A beautiful place to spend a relaxing vacation.

While in the area, visit Jesse Owens State Park, where several improvements have recently been made. There are ten new cabins showing three distinct architectural styles inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Their campground has expanded to 50 full hook-up RV sites.

Stop by Miners’ Memorial Park to see the huge bucket of the Big Muskie.

Don’t forget to stop by the Miners Memorial Park on St. Rt. 78 to see the Big Muskie bucket, which could pick up over 300 tons of soil and rocks in a single bite in order to get to the high sulfur coal beneath. The Big Muskie was the largest dragline ever built for use in the coal fields. There’s a great place for a picnic nearby.

If you enjoy nature and wildlife, Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area is a great place for a day trip or to spend a weekend. Plan a drive to their new Visitors Center to learn more about the area.

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Back Roads, History, Ohio, Uncategorized, Wildlife

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Deloris Ullmann Discovers Painting

Live your life and forget your age

Sometimes a hand reaches out and touches you in an unexpected way leading you on a new pathway. Such was the case with Deloris Ullmann, a retired educator from Shenandoah.

This painting shows her hometown of Mt. Ephraim many years ago.

Deloris grew up in Mt. Ephraim and started her education at a two-room school there before graduating from Sarahsville High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University and later her Master’s Degree from Marietta College.

Her family enjoyed music. Dallas Bond, front left, and her mother played on WILE in the late 40s.

In her younger years, Deloris was surrounded by a family that enjoyed music. Her parents organized “Dallas Bond and The Musical Farmers,” which was the first live musical group to air on radio station WILE in the late 40s. Deloris and her sisters also performed on WILE a few years later as “The Bond Sisters.” Because of that interest, Deloris can play piano, guitar, violin, and mandolin.

Deloris played guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

She played guitar and sang “Love Letters in the Sand” at 4-H camp during Talent Night and played the fiddle with Jim’s Jammers at a Grange Banquet at Shenandoah High School. Even when she retired, she played the guitar and sang at her retirement assembly.

After retirement, a new path opened unexpectedly one day ten years ago when her neighbor Judy McKee, an art teacher from Shenandoah, came across the road for a visit. She asked Deloris, “Did you ever think of painting?”

Deloris smiled as she said, “I can’t even draw a circle.” Deloris said at that time the only thing she had ever painted was a paint-by-number picture.

Judy was persuasive and told her, “You can learn. I’ll give you lessons in my studio.”

She enjoys stopping along the road and painting an outdoor scene or whatever catches her eye.

Thus began a weekly encounter where Deloris learned something different every week. Judy had her try different paints – acrylic gouache wash, oils, and watercolors. They would take rides in the country and stop to paint a house, a church, a friendly animal, or flowers that caught their eye.

This painting is her favorite winter scene sharing one of her many barn pictures.

Barns became a favorite object for her paintings. They drove out Route 564 and she took pictures of all the barns along the road. Then from the photos, she painted pictures of those barns on 11×14 canvas.

This set of her cards share the series of barn pictures that she drew. Nice for a quick note to a friend!

Those paintings were also converted into cards that make delightful colorful notes to friends. It’s a creative way for more people to be able to enjoy her paintings.

Deloris remembered picnics at Coen’s Church grounds near Seneca Lake after it closed in the 1930s.

Something she especially enjoys is painting a scene from the past. It might be an old church or town that no longer exists. Recreating them from old pictures makes great paintings and great gifts.

She enjoyed painting Izzy, her sister’s dog.

While Deloris does sell her paintings, quite often she uses them as gifts to friends and family. When asked if she painted every day, Deloris shook her head, “I was taught to only paint when you feel like it. Never throw anything away. Let it set for a couple of days, then go back and add what is needed.”

Some of her paintings were displayed an at art guild show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center.

Her instructor, Judy, began painting at the age of four and participated in a local Art Guild. At one time, Judy encouraged Deloris to display her paintings with the guild when they had a show at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. Her paintings were also displayed in Art Market 649 in downtown Cambridge a few years back.

This painting shows their barn on Mud Run Road. Her paintings are filled with memories.

During this time, Deloris also wrote a book just for her family. The title of the book is “Two D’s in a Pod,” a clever way of mentioning her and her husband, Don. It is a collection of pictures and stories of their family from childhood on. It also includes many of her paintings.

In her spare time, she often plays piano at Mr. Ephraim Methodist Church. She recently sewed 100 aprons for an Eastern Star fund raiser. Don and Deloris also enjoy traveling. They have visited Germany several times, did a European tour, and have enjoyed many trips in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

Her teacher, Judy McKee, and Deloris enjoyed painting at the Guernsey County Library.

While Deloris discovered painting late in life, she finds it a wonderful relaxation. “Painting makes me really happy.”

This colorful painting of flowers reminded me of summertime.

Visit her Facebook page to see some of her paintings. If you would like to have Deloris paint something for you, send her a picture of your house, barn, animals, or flowers and her painting is sure to please you. Contact her at 740-509-1672 or drudou@gmail.com. Visit her website at http://www.delorisullmannart.com where most of her work is posted both old and new. Some items can be purchased online.

Age is just a number. The mind has the real potential for learning at any stage of life. Deloris Ullmann is proof of that.

Category:

Art, Back Roads, Farming, Gardens, Ohio

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Quilt Barn Tour in Harrison County

Quilts are a patchwork of memories!

Quilt Barns have become a popular feature in several Appalachian areas. They not only preserve those old, precious quilt patterns but also tell the story of a family that used that barn.

Henry Law Farm – Windmill Quilt Pattern

Quilts bring back special memories of our forefathers to help us realize the dedication and hardships they faced. Every quilt has a special story that needs to be kept for future generations to understand.

Gwen and Bob Stewart Barn – Goose Tracks Quilt Pattern

The idea was born when Donna Groves, a field representative of the Ohio Arts Council put a quilt on her barn in Adams County, Ohio. The idea quickly caught on with similar Quilt Barn Tours being developed in many Ohio counties and even in surrounding states.

Dawson Farm – Log Cabin Quilt Pattern

While the idea began in 2001, a few years later in 2005 Harrison County became involved. Their plan was to paint 15 quilts on area barns, one in each township. All quilts that were considered were owned by residents of Harrison County. Twenty-eight quilts were submitted for consideration. The effort was coordinated by the Puskarich Public Library, the OSU Extension Office, and the Harrison County Community Improvement Corporation.

Paolano Farm – Double Wedding Ring Quilt Pattern

Decision was reached on the fifteen quilts that would be displayed in a very unique way. Harrison County Election Board was demonstrating a new electronic voting machine at the Harrison County Fair in 2005. Pictures of the quilts were downloaded on the election machine and fairgoers had a chance to vote on their favorite. The winner was a quilt in a dahlia pattern submitted by county resident Barbara Besozzi. The quilt was sewn by her grandmother, Mary Henderson and is now on a barn on the homestead where it was sewn.

Henderson Farm – Dahlia Quilt Pattern

They proceeded with a Make a Difference Day project which consisted of making eight-foot square painted replicas of the quilts that were chosen. Then they were installed on barns throughout the area – one is each township. A “Drive It Yourself” tour was established.

Joseph Barn – LeMoyne Star Quilt Pattern

This was a real community project. The Harrison County Commissioners applied for a grant to support the project. Harrison Central High School industrial arts students made the frames, which held the paintings of the chosen quilts. Two of the paintings were done by students in the Arts department at Harrison Central High School and smaller squares were done by 4-H clubs in the county. The rest were painted by volunteers from Harrison County.

Harrison County Home – Make a Difference Day Quilt

The first barn quilt was installed at the Harrison County Home in August, 2005 while the rest were installed in October, 2005 on Make a Difference Day Ohio. Funds for this project were raised through contributions from individuals, businesses, civic groups, and grants.

Rocking M Farm – Dresden Plate Green Quilt Pattern

The goal of the organizers was to have the quilts and barns tell the story of the residents of Harrison County. In this way, people would know the background of the people who created the quilts and lived on the farms where the barns are located.

Center Farm – Dresden Plate Red Quilt Pattern

A lady, who now lives at the Harrison County Home, quilted the Dresden Plate that is now on Dr. John Center’s Barn outside of Scio. Mary Henderson’s dahlia patterned quilt is on the barn at her old homestead. Stories like this need to be preserved.

McMillen Farm – Multiple Stars Quilt Pattern

The Harrison County Quilt Barn Tour gives you views throughout the county. If you are not familiar with the area, you should get a list of the Quilt Barns either online at www.harrisoncounty.gov.quilt-barrn-project or stop by Harrison County Tourism and pick up a brochure.

Lawther Farm – Fan Quilt Pattern

Today there are 20 barns on the Harrison County Quilt Barn Tour. Some of those original 15 are no longer present. This self-guided tour reminds us of our pioneer and agricultural heritage.

Rinks Farm – Lone Star Quilt Pattern

Take a drive through the hills of Harrison County and watch for the barns that have quilts painted on their side. You might pass some every day. Once you have read about them and taken a Quilt Barn Tour, it’s amazing how often they appear when you are traveling throughout Ohio and neighboring states.

Every quilt tells a story. Watch and listen!

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Art, Back Roads, Farming, History, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Relax at Rocky Fork Ranch Resort

Adventure Awaits!

Stop at their Ranch House for registration and General Store.

Enjoy the outdoors when camping at Rocky Fork Ranch Resort near Kimbolton while still enjoying the conveniences for a relaxing and comfortable vacation. You’ll have a great time regardless of the weather with their many indoor and outdoor events.

Sharrie Yarber, manager, and Aaron Johnson, asst. manager, enjoy greeting campers.

This member based campground at 74978 Broadhead Road, Kimbolton has been part of the Travel Resorts of America Family since 1982. It’s the kind of place where neighbors become friends, and friends become like family. Many might remember camping there in the past when it was called Grand Haven or even before that Bucket Hill.

Their new General Store has just about everything a camper might need…and then some.

When you enter the campground, first stop will be the Ranch House which is headquarters for registration and also their General Store. The store has been moved and reorganized this year and includes just about everything you would need for your camping experience. They also have an ice cream, pizza, and sandwich sh

Cabins in the woods are the perfect place for relaxation.

Camping can take several forms at Rocky Fork as they have over 200 campsites and 101 lodging facilities. There’s rustic camping, RV sites, and cabins on 850 acres of wooded and rolling hills. Explore the territory by taking a hike as you enjoy the view through beautiful woods with streams scattered throughout if you like going on foot. Or perhaps you would rather explore the area on horseback as they have a dozen horses that enjoy following the trails through the area.

Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are available for guests.

On a rainy day, you can enjoy their clubhouse with indoor pool, gym, hot tub, adult lounge, pool tables, and game room. A laundromat has been added with all new machines for campers’ convenience.

Miniature golf is a fun family activity.

Guests can find entertainment and excitement in a wide variety of outdoor activities. There’s a golf driving range, paint ball at the Gun Slinging Corral, miniature golf, tennis courts, Native American Pow-wows, and guided nature walks. Let the children enjoy several play areas scattered throughout the campgrounds.

Their five acre lake is a great place for boating, fishing, and relaxing.

Their catch and release 5-acre lake paints a serene scene with a lighthouse built from an old stone house on the property on one side. Across the way is a friendly gazebo with a relaxing swing. Here people can use kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats to enjoy the calm waters.

A Nature Center has many cool animals like Rex their bearded dragon. He loves fresh greens and likes to stretch his legs in the planetarium. Other animals the children enjoy are Curly – a curly tailed lizard, rabbits, turtles, and fish.

Rocky Fork Rodeo gives youngsters a great chance to experience rodeo events at an early age.

Rocky Fork Rodeo, the oldest competitive youth rodeo in Ohio, is organized by the Rocky Fork Rodeo Company and takes place ten times a year in the Rocky Fork Ranch arena. It has been a source of fun, learning, competition, and a stepping stone to larger rodeo competitions since the 1990s. The rodeo season runs May – September rain or shine.

They wish to preserve the sport of rodeo while teaching sportsmanship, honest competition, and safety measures. There are over twenty events including bull, steer, and calf riding, team roping, goat tying, barrels, and flags. A small membership fee is required to participate and receive prizes. Youth ages two to nineteen by January 1st are welcome to take part. Public is welcome to watch this event.

Salt Fork Shooting Club held a Hot Shots Youth Team Trap Shoot.

Salt Fork Shooting Club is a private club organized in 1992 and has a clubhouse at Rocky Fork Ranch with target, trap, and archery ranges available for all Salt Fork Shooting Club members. Anyone interested can join their group for a reasonable fee.

The group is NRA affiliated and encourages organized rifle, shotgun, and pistol shooting among members of the community. They stress the important of knowledge of gun safety, proper care of guns, and improved marksmanship. They offer planned shooting events May through October.

Rocky Fork Resort’s mascot, Rocky the Raccoon, appeared at a recent Home Schow.

By cooperating with other organizations such as those listed above, Rocky Fork Ranch hopes to give back to the community. They also participate in many local events to promote their resort.

Aloha! Hula Dancers entertained campers at a recent Luau Weekend.

While visiting, I had the opportunity to witness one of their many exciting evening affairs with Hula Dancers from the big island of Hawaii. Volcano Choy and his family take you on a journey to the tropics. Volcano provides the vocal and instrumental music while their six daughters dance various hulas, which were taught to them by their mother, a former hula dancer. A young son demonstrates the fire dance. It’s a real family affair.

Campers enjoyed participating in hula lessons and became part of Rocky Fork Hula Troop.

Campers joined in the fun by participating in hula lessons for young and old on what their leader Volcano called Rocky Fork Hula Troop. Special events like this happen nearly every weekend like Christmas in July, Water Wars, Watermelon Crawl, or Dog Daze of Summer.

The beautiful old trees at Rocky Fork Ranch make being surrounded by nature a real pleasure. Many come from the city for a breath of fresh air. In the evening, the smell of the campfires relaxes the mind.

To learn more about Rocky Fork Ranch Resort visit their Facebook page. Call 888-829-6341 for more information or to make reservations.

Category:

Back Roads, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

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The Station on Twenty- Two for Delicious Ice Cream

The Station on Twenty-Two often holds events that the entire community enjoys.

Ice cream is a highlight at The Station on Twenty-Two in Antrim but The Station has so much more to offer. Stop by for a light lunch, find a favorite book to read, and shop in their small boutique.

This family-owned business is located in a renovated gas station along Route 22 in Antrim. The station, known as Glenn’s Service, was previously owned by Glenn and Martha Cole. Glenn ran the gas station and garage while Martha ran the Convenience Store. In those early days, Martha sold Damsel’s ice cream for a nickel a dip and even served as a notary. Glenn serviced Madison school buses.

This early picture shows The Station when it was a garage and general store.

When the station became available for purchase, Ron Miller thought it would be a great place for an ice cream shop. While he purchased it in 2013, it was 2021 before they were open for business. They did a lot of remodeling while attempting to keep the appearance of the old station.

Ron mentioned his reason for opening the business. “I want this to be a place where the community can hang out and get to know each other.”

Ron Miller, owner, is shown with his three daughters, Karin, Robyn, and Tricia, who help run The Station.

Ron Miller, three of his daughters and a son provide hand-dipped Yoder’s ice cream, milkshakes, and sundaes. A cousin Jenna Weaver is in charge of making and designing the sandwiches. This is their third year at The Station and they continue to add new and exciting things all the time.

Their Cousin, Jenna Weaver, creates and prepares delicious sandwiches.
Their Apple Orchard Sandwich is a customer favorite.

The daughters, Robyn and Karin, were kept busy dipping ice cream, making milkshakes, serving sandwiches, and answering the phone on the day of my visit. However, they always took time to talk to the customers, greet them by name, and even get some hugs exchanged. It’s a friendly and happy atmosphere with everything neat and clean.

When asked why she liked working at The Station, Robyn, the manager, said, “We see all our neighbors and make new friends.” Her sister, Karin, added, “Every day we see all the good people we live around.”

Karin and Robyn check over the display of flavors currently available.

You might wonder why they chose Yoder’s Old Fashioned Premium Ice Cream for their specialty. Yoder’s is a Mennonite/Amish Company based in Sarasota, Florida. Bill Yoder remembered his dad cranking homemade ice cream by hand every Saturday. Since that time, he always dreamed of having his own old-fashioned ice cream company for families to enjoy. Today he tells everyone, “I truly hope you love our ice cream as you enjoy it with friends and family.”

The Millers’ uncle delivered for Yoder’s to Ohio and an aunt said they made the best ice cream she had ever tasted. So without ever tasting it themselves, The Millers went on the word of family and made the choice. By the way, it is delicious!

Robyn, the manager, brought me their special waffle cone with a dip of my favorite chocolate ice cream.

Popular ice cream flavors are triple peanut butter and butter pecan served in your choice of a cup, regular cone, or waffle cone, which is freshly made by the family. Their flavors change frequently and there is always a weekly special.

Relax at their shuffleboard court just behind The Station.

Outside, you will even find a shuffleboard court. There’s no cost to play! Plans for the future include a playground and pickleball court. This family likes to have fun whether inside or out.

There are plenty of places to enjoy your ice cream inside and visit with friends.

They have special events for the community as well. Some evenings they have special live music. A Hunter’s Storytelling Night featured hunting stories and hunting tips. A Thanksgiving Pie Contest was a tasty event. Their Christmas at The Station featured Arts & Crafts as well as holiday music performances. Of course, there was always ice cream available to make the evening more delicious.

Young Annie Miller proves that “Kids need ice cream like gardens need water.”

Stop by and get a special treat during summer hours at The Station on Twenty-Two on Tuesday through Saturday 11 – 8. Sandwich service stops at 6. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit The Station on Twenty-Two on Facebook for up-to-date information, dates, and hours.

The Station on Twenty-Two is located in Antrim about 15 minutes north of the main entrance of Salt Fork Park so a nice final touch to a day at the lake. An ice cream cone, sundae, or milkshake is the perfect break on a hot summer day.

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Back Roads, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Dogwood Pass Celebrates Christmas in Old West Style

Enjoy a touch of the Old West as you enter Dogwood Pass during the Christmas season.

Howdy, partner! Catch the feeling of an Old West Christmas at Dogwood Pass in the hills of Southern Ohio. Many roads head in that direction. All are scenic.

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas as you walk down the street in this Old West town.

Their Christmas season begins the first Friday after Thanksgiving. They are open in December from Thursday thru Sunday until Christmas. At this time, their Western town transforms into a winter wonderland filled with colorful lights, the Christmas spirit, and performances with holiday themes.

Candy Cane Lane leads to interesting Old West places of business.

Take a walk through Dogwood Pass and step inside all of their buildings, which are decorated in the spirit of that era. Here you’ll find a saloon, jail, church, general store, bank, freight office, gun shop, livery stable, and more. Along the way, you’ll find many original pieces from long ago. The only things modern are the twinkling Christmas lights.

The saloon was the first building constructed at Dogwood Pass.

Happy trails to you while visiting their Roy Rogers Memory’s Museum with classic memorabilia. Here you’ll find original movie posters, Roy and Dale’s Western outfits, and their guns. They continue to search for Roy Rogers’ memorabilia to add to their collection. Then, stop at the saloon for a drink…root beer is what they serve.

Watch a bank robbery take place during one of their Wild West Shows.

On weekends at 3 pm, their Wild West Shows are full of action, gun-slinging, lively cowboys, and horses. Watch lawmen and outlaws fight it out in the streets of Dogwood Pass. Often there is a bit of comedy thrown in and you might even see a cowboy riding his horse backward. Calamity Jane often makes an appearance as she argues with the cowboys to add a little humor.

The Grinch tries to steal their Christmas spirit.

Santa and the Grinch appear every open day after the Wild West Shows to create more Christmas cheer. The Grinch tries to steal the spirit of Christmas from Dogwood Pass but that’s impossible.

Santa enjoys arriving in his new buggy.

Santa arrives in his new buggy, which delights both children and adults. The singing interactive snowmen are a big hit and everyone likes to touch them and see their reaction. Children might enjoy a horseback ride through the town.

John T. Wayne, grandson of the famous Western actor John Wayne, will make an appearance on the weekend of December 15-17. He will be there to talk about and autograph his books. He has written his autobiography as well as eight books set in the west with the latest book being “Peace in the Valley.”

Sharlene and Mike “Frog” Montgomery live the Old West life on a daily basis.

This Western town in Beaver, Ohio began as an idea of Mike “Frog” Montgomery. Frog always had a passion for history and the life of a cowboy. He actually grew up on the farm where Dogwood Pass is located and married his wife, Sharlene, on this spot about thirty years ago.

The saloon, their first building, is still an important part of Dogwood Pass today.

One thing Frog always wanted was a saloon to hang out in after he went horseback riding or hunting. In 2009, he built that saloon in his own back yard…just for a hobby! He said his hobby went wild…Wild, Wild West, that is!

The dressmaker was an important person in the days of the Old West.

The family now has the help of about 70 volunteers who all dress in authentic Western costumes. Actually, Frog dresses that way all the time so people are used to seeing him in town with guns in his holsters. Volunteers make it special as they come to have fun. Everyone there is so friendly, you’ll want to come back again.

You know it’s an authentic Western atmosphere when you learn that three Western movies have been filmed there. “Western World” tells the story of a sheriff faced with more corruption than he thought possible. “Brimstone Saint” involves a preacher who became a gunslinger to stop witchcraft in his small worn. The most recent movie, “Showdown in Yesteryear,” thrusts a wannabe cowboy back in time 160 years through a mysterious door.

Snowmen, some of them interactive, give a special touch to a snowy day at Dogwood Pass.

For 2023, Dogwood Pass at 726 Adams Rd., Beaver, Ohio opens on Friday, November 24, and continues weekly from Thursday to Sunday until December 23. Admission on Thursday is $10, with children under 6 free. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, admission is $15 with children under 6 free. Hours vary on different days so check out their schedule on Facebook for updates.

Mike enjoys talking to visitors and telling them the story of Dogwood Pass.

Mike and Sharlene live just outside the Dogwood Pass fence so welcome people throughout the year even though most events take place on Friday and Saturday. If you don’t have time to head out West, visit the biggest Old West Town east of the Mississippi. Mike is a country boy and loves to talk to visitors. You’ll definitely feel welcome at Dogwood Pass!

Bring your family, bring your kin, and come on down to Christmas at Dogwood Pass where the West meets the North Pole for a rootin’, tootin’, good time!

Dogwood Pass is located in southern Ohio at 726 Adams Rd., Beaver, Ohio. It’s directly south of Columbus, Ohio in the direction of Portsmouth, and not far from the Ohio River, Roy Rogers’ boyhood stomping ground.

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Back Roads, Christmas, Family Fun, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Fall Fun at Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch

Venture inside the cornstalk teepees for a fall picture.

Pick a pumpkin! Get lost in a corn maze! Take a wagon ride! These are all things you can enjoy when visiting Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch on Simmons Road just a few miles north of Cambridge toward Indian Camp. They decided to call it Country Pumpkin Patch since Simmons Road is a scenic, country road.

Vonda and Ted Tipple started the Country Pumpkin Patch in 2001 on their farm.

It all began 22 years ago when Ted and Vonda Tipple decided to grow some pumpkins. In prior years, they had purchased pumpkins just down the road from Ned Thomas before he retired from the business. They built their pumpkin farm from the ground up. That first year, they placed a wagon loaded with pumpkins in their front yard with a can to place money in if someone wanted a pumpkin. It worked!

Now her son, Josh, Jess and the grandkids have been helping for several years, But Ted and Vonda still are responsible for most of the Country Pumpkin Patch.

The whole family from adults to children plant the pumpkins by hand in the spring.

The grandchildren help them with the patch from planting to harvest. They also give them ideas of what children might like. It’s a great experience for them to learn how to run a business, handle cash and make change.

Picking out a favorite pumpkin isn’t always easy but something fun for the children.

They decided to expand the pumpkin patch to a place where kids could have fun as well as pick out their favorite pumpkin. Each year they add more activities that children and adults will enjoy.

You’ll find a great selection of mums to make your home have a touch of fall.

There is no admission charge if you are just stopping by for a pumpkin or some of their other fall decorations. Prices for the pumpkins range from $.50 to $20.00 depending on their size. Mums, Indian corn, corn stocks, straw bales, and gourds are also available. 25 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds can be found here.

There’s also a nice selection of gourds, cornstalks, and bales of hay.

If you want to enjoy all the activities, there is a $5 admission charge per person – those under 2 are free. This includes a wagon ride, corn maze, crackers to feed the animals, and all the games they want to play.

They opened just a little later this year as they had to replant the pumpkins four times due to weather conditions. They are lucky to have lots of help dropping the seeds in the ground.

You might want to start your day at Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch by taking a covered wagon ride around the entire area to see what is being offered. The tractor is driven by Josh and the wagon is quite comfortable with padded seats.

A box filled with shelled corn gives many opportunities for play.

The corn maze, which is five acres in size, is always a popular event at the pumpkin patch. Most people enjoy getting lost…at least for a while. A box filled with shelled corn provides a great place for children to use their imagination.

Children enjoy feeding tame goats, chickens, and sheep.

Their petting zoo includes goats, chickens, sheep, and horses. Children enjoy feeding crackers to the animals and being able to get up close to pet them since the animals are very tame.

For those under 3, there is a small bounce house they are sure to enjoy. There’s also a nice play area with toys to ride and places to explore.

A nice play area gives children a chance to run some of their extra energy off.

There are many games scattered throughout the Pumpkin Patch area for everyone to enjoy. There is a Duck Race with water jets, a basketball gravity wagon to practice your shots, a new slide, and a Tire Bridge for kids to climb on and over.

Wagon rides are fun for the entire family.

Several area pre-schools have been frequent visitors to the Pumpkin Patch. They come for a wagon ride and go home with a small pumpkin. It’s a chance to show children how the pumpkins are grown and let them see the animals up close for an educational experience.

Groups enjoy roasting hot dogs over a campfire or making smores.

A special treat on Friday or Saturday nights can be arranged for groups with reservations. Many 4-H and Scout troops enjoy this adventure. This is a Nighttime Walk through the corn maze with flashlights, take a wagon ride, roast a hot dog at the campfire, and build your own smores. All this fun for $5 per person! Make reservations by calling Vonda at 740-432-3263.

Children get a chance to see how pumpkins are grown.

The Guernsey County Library will sponsor an event at the Country Pumpkin Patch on October 16th from 5-7 pm. The library staff will be on hand to supervise the event. Up to 150 kids will receive a free small pumpkin, and the library will have painting supplies available for them to paint a face on their pumpkin. While there, they can enjoy the play area.

As you can imagine, this is not a job for just six weeks of the year. All year long plans are being made and items are constructed and painted. Fields must be prepared, planted, and weeded. A Pumpkin Patch requires dedicated work month after month.

This sign lets you know you have arrived at Tipple’s Pumpkin Patch.

Tipple’s Country Pumpkin Patch is open daily the entire month of October from 12-7 just a few miles from Cambridge in the country at 6176 Simmons Rd. For the convenience of the customers, purchases can be made with cash or credit card.

“We want to give everyone a personal experience at a small but friendly Pumpkin Patch.” They love what they do!

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Back Roads, Cambridge, Family Fun, Just for Fun, Ohio

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Hershberger Petting Zoo

The Petting Zoo is just one part of the Hershberger Farm & Bakery complex.

Petting and feeding animals are things that most children enjoy. A trip to Hershberger Petting Zoo, located between Berlin and Millersburg in Amish Country, makes this possible in a friendly setting. An indoor barn holds many of the animals in pens for easy access but not too close for small children who might be a little afraid of petting these animals.

Mini-donkeys were located near King Buck for size comparison.

The pens hold pigs, chickens, geese, llamas, alpacas, and calves. There are also some free-roaming animals under cover like peacocks, rabbits, goats, and more. Pick up a rabbit and feel its soft hair or cuddle a piglet. If the child falls in love with a rabbit, you can even purchase one to take home with you.

Baby Piglets are always an attraction.

One mother told me, “My daughters get to pet and feed animals, we get to see them smile. The produce and fry pies are amazing also!”

Mother goat is very protective of her triplets.

Maybe you might even get lucky and a baby goat will let you pick it up. Baby animals are always favorites of children and adults. Often you will find animals that have wandered away from their cages. One small goat decided that my slacks would be a good snack but did no damage. That reminded me of an old song that I learned when beginning to play the piano.

Bill Grogan’s goat was feeling fine

Ate three red shirts right off the line.

Hershy’s King Buck is the largest horse every raised on their farm.

Children and adults will also like seeing and petting Hershy’s King Buck, a massive, registered Belgian horse – the biggest horse ever raised on their farm. He was born in September of 2021 and weighs 3,126 pounds. Feed King Buck a carrot to make him happy. He is amazing!

Their aviary holds a special attraction for those who enjoy close contact with the birds.

A large screened-in area contains an aviary, which holds many local and colorful birds with a variety of places for them to rest. Outside pens where the animals have more room to roam contain llamas, calves, ponies, and even longhorn cattle.

A large horse carousel entertained youngsters with a ride on a large draft horse.

There’s a live carousel inside where children can have a draft horse ride. This is not on King Buck but on some of the other beautiful, large horses at the farm. There are additional charges for the horse and buggy rides.

Buggy rides took visitors on a tour of the farm.

Take a relaxing ride in an Amish buggy while visiting. Kids and adults both enjoy the buggy rides, with stories by an Amish driver, that take you around the Hershberger Farm to see the animals out in pasture.

Goats like to climb on benches, platforms, and even the roof of the barn.

This is a family day that everyone is certain to remember. Don’t wear your Sunday best clothes even if you watch your step. Picking up the small animals is likely to get a little dirt on your clothing.

This young boy spent a lot of time feeding and petting the small goat.

Entry fee for the Petting Zoo is $5 per person. Kids 3 and under are admitted free. Take along some one-dollar bills or quarters so you can purchase whole carrots or sliced-up carrots to feed the animals. It’s always fun to have them eating out of your hand!

Most, especially moms, like to visit the Farm Store while they are there.

Before leaving, moms especially will want to visit the Farm Store or the on-site bakery where they can pick up some delicious cream sticks to eat in the shade or take home. Some think the bakery alone is a good reason to visit. Cheese and kettle corn are also available. There’s a place to get ice cream or a fresh Angus hamburger. There’s plenty of outdoor seating here to relax and enjoy a snack.

Hershberger’s Petting Zoo at 5452 State Route 557, Millersburg is open from March 1 – December 24. During that time they are always open from 10 – 4. Closed on Sunday throughout the year. Amish Country is a very busy place so visit on a weekday if you can. This is a place your children will want to go back to again and again.

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Back Roads, Family Fun, Nature, Ohio, Uncategorized

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